Lodoxamide versus spaglumic acid: a comparative double-blind trial on patients suffering from seasonal allergic conjunctivitis induced by Parietaria pollen

In order to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of lodoxamide in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, the authors conducted a double-blind trial with intrapatient comparison on 32 patients, using lodoxamide versus spaglumic acid in the course of two conjunctival provocation tests performed with specific allergens. The patients received one drop of lodoxamide in one eye and one drop of spaglumic acid in the other; 15 minutes later, 25 microliters of allergen extract at a pre-established concentration was instilled. After 10 minutes, the signs and symptoms of the allergic response were evaluated and recorded. Six hours later, the instillation of the allergen extract in both eyes was repeated following the same procedure, to establish the duration of the effect of the two drugs. The results, obtained by evaluating the main clinical signs and symptoms (itching, lacrimation, hyperaemia, palpebral oedema and chemosis), demonstrate with statistically significant differences that lodoxamide inhibits the conjunctival response to exposure to the allergen with greater efficacy than spaglumic acid, and for a longer duration. The two drugs provided similar and satisfactory tolerability. In view of these results, lodoxamide can definitely be considered and effective drug in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.

Ethylene oxide allergy in dialysis patients

DESIGN OF STUDY

Two groups of patients undergoing long-term dialysis were studied in order to evaluate the importance of ethylene oxide (EtO) in causing allergic reactions during dialysis. The first group of 50 subjects had never shown any hypersensitivity reactions related to dialysis, whereas the second group of 20 subjects had previously complained of reactions. All the patients underwent a prick test with a standard kit of aeroallergens in order to assess the presence of atopy (in doubtful cases a RAST test was carried out with the same aeroallergens). A blood sample for the investigation of EtO specific IgE antibodies was taken from all the patients; the immunoenzymatic method was used.

RESULTS

Sensitivity to EtO is significantly higher in the group of patients with previous allergic reactions during dialysis (55 vs 6% in the control group).

Foot pain and disability in older persons: an epidemiologic survey

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of foot pain in older people and its association with pathological conditions of the feet and with disability in basic and instrumental activities of daily living.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey of a community-dwelling older population.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 459 subjects, 73% of the population aged 65 years and older living in Dicomano, Florence, Italy.

MEASUREMENTS

A standardized medical examination was performed by a geriatrician to collect information on the presence of pain, specific problems of the feet, gait, and several indicators of physical health status. Disability in basic and instrumental activities of daily living was evaluated by self-report.

RESULTS

The prevalence of foot pain was very high, especially in subjects affected by calluses or corns, hallux deformities, hammer toes, pes planus, and edema and among those who complained of difficulty in looking after the basic needs of the feet. Patients with foot pain needed a greater number of steps and longer time to walk the same distance. Foot pain was associated with a higher prevalence of disability in instrumental activities of daily living, particularly those related to standing and ambulation capacities, but it was not related to higher prevalence of disability in basic activities of daily living.

CONCLUSIONS

Foot pain is associated with specific conditions of the feet and disability in instrumental activities of daily living. Adequate assessment and treatment of foot problems may prevent foot pain and potentially reduce risk of disability. This hypothesis needs to be tested in longitudinal studies and specific intervention trials.