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Lupu VV, Sasaran MO, Jechel E, Starcea IM, Ioniuc I, Mocanu A, Rosu ST, Munteanu V, Nedelcu AH, Danielescu C, Salaru DL, Knieling A, Lupu A. Celiac disease - a pluripathological model in pediatric practice. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1390755. [PMID: 38715620 PMCID: PMC11074362 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1390755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Being defined as an autoimmune, chronic pathology, frequently encountered in any age group, but especially in pediatrics, celiac disease (also called gluten enteropathy), is gaining more and more ground in terms of diagnosis, but also interest in research. The data from the literature of the last decades attest the chameleonic way of its presentation, there may be both classic onset symptoms and atypical symptoms. Given the impact played by celiac disease, especially in the optimal growth and development of children, the current narrative review aims to highlight the atypical presentation methods, intended to guide the clinician towards the inclusion of the pathology in the differential diagnosis scheme. To these we add the summary presentation of the general data and therapeutic lines regarding the underlying condition and the existing comorbidities. In order to place the related information up to date, we performed a literature review of the recent articles published in international databases. We bring forward the current theories and approaches regarding both classic celiac disease and its atypical manifestations. Among these we note mainly constitutional, skin or mucous, bone, neuro-psychic, renal, reproductive injuries, but also disorders of biological constants and association with multiple autoimmunities. Knowing and correlating them with celiac disease is the key to optimal management of patients, thus reducing the subsequent burden of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasile Valeriu Lupu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria Oana Sasaran
- Faculty of Medicine, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Elena Jechel
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Ileana Ioniuc
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Adriana Mocanu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Solange Tamara Rosu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Valentin Munteanu
- Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Alin Horatiu Nedelcu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Danielescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Delia Lidia Salaru
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Anton Knieling
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Ancuta Lupu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
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Fischbach W, Bornschein J, Hoffmann JC, Koletzko S, Link A, Macke L, Malfertheiner P, Schütte K, Selgrad DM, Suerbaum S, Schulz C. Update S2k-Guideline Helicobacter pylori and gastroduodenal ulcer disease of the German Society of Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2024; 62:261-321. [PMID: 38364851 DOI: 10.1055/a-2181-2225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Bornschein
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit John, John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jörg C Hoffmann
- Medizinische Klinik I, St. Marien- und St. Annastiftskrankenhaus, Ludwigshafen, Deutschland
| | - Sibylle Koletzko
- Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik im Dr. von Haunerschen Kinderspital, LMU-Klinikum Munich, Munich, Deutschland
- Department of Paediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition, School of Medicine Collegium Medicum University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Alexander Link
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Lukas Macke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II Campus Großhadern, Universitätsklinikum Munich, Munich, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Standort Munich, Munich, Deutschland
| | - Peter Malfertheiner
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Deutschland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II Campus Großhadern, Universitätsklinikum Munich, Munich, Deutschland
| | - Kerstin Schütte
- Klinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin und Gastroenterologie, Niels-Stensen-Kliniken Marienhospital Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Deutschland
| | - Dieter-Michael Selgrad
- Medizinische Klinik Gastroenterologie und Onkologie, Klinikum Fürstenfeldbruck, Fürstenfeldbruck, Deutschland
- Klinik für Innere Medizin 1, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Sebastian Suerbaum
- Universität Munich, Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Munich, Deutschland
- Nationales Referenzzentrum Helicobacter pylori, Pettenkoferstr. 9a, 80336 Munich, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Standort Munich, Munich, Deutschland
| | - Christian Schulz
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II Campus Großhadern, Universitätsklinikum Munich, Munich, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Standort Munich, Munich, Deutschland
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3
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Rauch C, Lucio L, De Fer BB, Lheritier-Barrand M. Bioequivalence of 2 Pediatric Formulations of Fexofenadine Hydrochloride Oral Suspension. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2023; 12:1194-1203. [PMID: 37655364 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.1311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Fexofenadine hydrochloride (HCl) is a second-generation, nonsedating, histamine H1-receptor antagonist used to manage seasonal allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. A new oral pediatric suspension of fexofenadine HCl has been developed, with the preservative potassium sorbate replacing parabens. The objective of this phase 1 single-center, open-label, randomized, 2-treatment, full-replicated, 4-period, 2-sequence crossover study in healthy adult volunteers was to assess the bioequivalence of 30 mg of the new oral suspension of fexofenadine HCl (test) versus 30 mg of the marketed pediatric oral suspension of fexofenadine HCl (reference). The replicate design was based on the high intra-individual variability of fexofenadine (>30% on Cmax ). The study comprised 68 randomized and treated volunteers. Plasma concentrations of fexofenadine were similar following the administration of a single dose of each formulation. Cmax , AUClast , AUC, median tmax , and mean t1/2z were similar between administrations of the same fexofenadine formulation and between formulations. A high intra-individual variability was confirmed with both formulations. Bioequivalence of the test and reference fexofenadine HCl formulations was demonstrated as the 90% confidence intervals of the geometric least squares mean ratio for Cmax , AUClast , and AUC of fexofenadine were all within the bioequivalence range of 0.80-1.25. There were no serious adverse events (AEs) or study discontinuations due to treatment-emergent AEs with either fexofenadine HCl formulation. The new paraben-free fexofenadine HCl 30-mg oral suspension and marketed fexofenadine HCl 30-mg pediatric oral suspension are bioequivalent under fasting conditions, with no safety concerns and a safety profile consistent with the known profile of fexofenadine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemence Rauch
- Clinical Development & Biometry, Sanofi CHC, Gentilly, France
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Aktualisierte S2k-Leitlinie Helicobacter
pylori und gastroduodenale Ulkuskrankheit der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS) – Juli 2022 – AWMF-Registernummer: 021–001. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2023; 61:544-606. [PMID: 37146633 DOI: 10.1055/a-1975-0414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
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Konstantinou GN, Konstantinou GN. Psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents with chronic urticaria. World J Pediatr 2023; 19:315-322. [PMID: 36376557 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00641-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic urticaria (CU) has been shown to impact patients' quality of life negatively and may coexist with psychiatric disorders. We systematically reviewed the published evidence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents with CU. METHODS A systematic review of studies published until February 2022 in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was performed. An a priori set of inclusion criteria was predefined for the studies to be included: (1) clear distinction between urticaria and other allergies; (2) precise distinction between acute and CU; (3) participants younger than 18 years old, exclusively; (4) use of appropriate standardized questionnaires, psychometric tools, and standard diagnostic nomenclature for the mental health and behavioral disorders diagnosis; and (5) manuscripts written or published in the English language. RESULTS Our search identified 582 potentially relevant papers. Only eight of them satisfied the inclusion criteria. Quantitative meta-analysis was not deemed appropriate, given the lack of relevant randomized control trials, the small number of relevant shortlisted, the small sample size of the patients included in each study, and the remarkable heterogeneity of the studies' protocols. CONCLUSIONS The included studies suggest an increased incidence of psychopathology among children and adolescents with CU as opposed to healthy age-matched individuals, but the data are scarce. Further research is required to clarify whether psychopathology is just a comorbid entity, the cause, or the consequence of CU. Meanwhile an interdisciplinary collaboration between allergists/dermatologists and psychiatrists is expected to substantially minimize CU burden and improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N Konstantinou
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 424 General Military Training Hospital, Thessaloníki, Greece.
| | - Gerasimos N Konstantinou
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
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Votto M, Achilli G, De Filippo M, Licari A, Marseglia A, Moiraghi A, Di Sabatino A, Marseglia GL. Pediatric chronic spontaneous urticaria: a brief clinician's guide. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:889-899. [PMID: 35833360 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2101999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic urticaria (CU) appears with daily or intermittent/recurrent wheals with/without angioedema for more than six weeks. When no specific eliciting factors are found, chronic urticaria is defined as spontaneous (CSU). Up to 50% of patients with CSU do not respond to therapy, leading to a prolonged disease course and the need for expensive therapies, impacting the quality of life (QoL) and healthcare resources. AREAS COVERED : Diagnosis of CSU is made when other potential causes of chronic urticaria are excluded. CSU therapy aims to achieve complete control of symptoms and normalization of QoL. Current treatment options for urticaria aim to target mast cell mediators such as histamine, or activators, such as autoantibodies. Guidelines recommend starting with second generation antihistamines (sgAHs) and adding omalizumab therapy if symptoms are not controlled. This review aims to provide a practical guide for CSU in the pediatric population. EXPERT OPINION : Treatment options for pediatric CSU are primarily based on adult data that have been extrapolated for children. Current guidelines should be re-evaluated based on pediatric data, new biological treatments, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research is needed to investigate strategies to personalize current treatments and identify potential predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Votto
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Achilli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria De Filippo
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy.,Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Amelia Licari
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy.,Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Marseglia
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Alice Moiraghi
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Sabatino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Marseglia
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy.,Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Ansotegui IJ, Bernstein JA, Canonica GW, Gonzalez-Diaz SN, Martin BL, Morais-Almeida M, Murrieta-Aguttes M, Sanchez Borges M. Insights into urticaria in pediatric and adult populations and its management with fexofenadine hydrochloride. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 18:41. [PMID: 35562767 PMCID: PMC9103601 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-022-00677-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present narrative review provides a comprehensive update of the current knowledge on urticaria, both in adult and pediatric populations, and on the safety and efficacy of fexofenadine hydrochloride (HCl) as a treatment option. DATA SOURCE A literature search was conducted on Embase and Medline. STUDY SELECTION Clinical studies published in English and published between 1999 and 2020 were selected. RESULTS Although the exact pathogenesis of urticaria is not fully understood, multiple pathways of mast cell activation are discussed to explain the existence of phenotypically different clinical manifestations of urticaria. An overview of the worldwide prevalence of chronic urticaria, including disease burden and patient's quality of life is provided. The impact of urticaria on patient's life differs on the basis of whether its form is acute or chronic, but pharmacological approaches are most often needed to control the disabling symptoms. A summary of the current management of urticaria recommended by different guidelines across countries (Global; European; American; Australian; Asian; Japanese) is presented. Non-sedating, second-generation H1-antihistamines are the preferred choice of treatment across several guidelines worldwide. Herein, the efficacy and safety of fexofenadine HCl, a representative second-generation H1-antihistamine approved for the treatment of urticaria, is discussed. The occurrence of urticaria manifestations in COVID-19 patients is also briefly presented. CONCLUSION The burden of acute and chronic urticaria is high for patients. Second generation anti-histamines such as fexofenadine HCl can help managing the symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio J Ansotegui
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Hospital Quironsalud Bizkaia, Leioa-Unbe Errepidea, 33 Bis, Erandio, 48950, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Giorgio W Canonica
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas University and Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sandra N Gonzalez-Diaz
- Regional Center for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México
| | - Bryan L Martin
- Medicine and Pediatrics, The Ohio State University in Columbus, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mario Morais-Almeida
- Allergy Center, CUF Descobertas Hospital, CUF Academic and Research Medical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Mario Sanchez Borges
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad, Caracas, Venezuela
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Chang J, Cattelan L, Ben-Shoshan M, Le M, Netchiporouk E. Management of Pediatric Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Review of Current Evidence and Guidelines. J Asthma Allergy 2021; 14:187-199. [PMID: 33727832 PMCID: PMC7955742 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s249765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic urticaria (CU) is associated with debilitating symptoms such as pruritic wheals and/or angioedema, which can significantly affect patients’ sleep, productivity and quality of life. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined in cases in which no triggering factor is identified. Various guidelines directing the optimal management of CU in the adult population were published and updated over the recent years with the most accepted and widely used being the EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO 2017 guidelines. Meanwhile, guidelines specific to the pediatric population are scarce, mainly due to the fact that high quality evidence is lacking for many treatment options in this age group. The objective of this article is to review and synthesize the existing literature regarding the management of pediatric CSU. Our review highlights evidence supporting the EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO 2017 treatment guidelines with non-sedating second-generation antihistamines (sgAHs) as the mainstay of treatment for pediatric CSU, considering their demonstrated efficacy and reassuring safety profile. Additionally, the use of omalizumab in adolescents is well supported by the current literature. There is limited data available regarding the updosing of sgAHs, omalizumab in children with CSU under 12 years of age and the treatment with cyclosporine and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) in pediatric patients of all ages. However, the results from currently available case series and case reports are promising for omalizumab and cyclosporine use in children with CSU, although large and well-designed randomized control trials (RCTs) assessing these treatment options are needed in order to formulate strong recommendations for their use. First-generation antihistamines (fgAHs) remain commonly used in pediatric CSU treatment despite a lack of studies assessing their efficacy and safety in the pediatric population and their widely known inferior safety profile compared to sgAHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Chang
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Leila Cattelan
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Moshe Ben-Shoshan
- Division of Allergy Immunology and Dermatology, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michelle Le
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elena Netchiporouk
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Caffarelli C, Santamaria F, Santoro A, Procaccianti M, Castellano F, Nastro FF, Villani A, Bernasconi S, Corsello G. Best practices, challenges and innovations in pediatrics in 2019. Ital J Pediatr 2020; 46:176. [PMID: 33256810 PMCID: PMC7703504 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-020-00941-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper runs through key progresses in epidemiology, pathomechanisms and therapy of various diseases in children that were issued in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics at the end of last year. Novel research and documents that explore areas such as allergy, critical care, endocrinology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, neonatology, neurology, nutrition, and respiratory tract illnesses in children have been reported. These observations will help to control childhood illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Caffarelli
- Clinica Pediatrica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, Italy.
| | - Francesca Santamaria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Angelica Santoro
- Clinica Pediatrica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, Italy
| | - Michela Procaccianti
- Clinica Pediatrica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, Italy
| | - Fabio Castellano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Villani
- UOC di Pediatria Generale e Malattie Infettive, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Corsello
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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[Urticaria in children]. REVUE FRANCAISE D ALLERGOLOGIE 2020; 60:476-483. [PMID: 32346454 PMCID: PMC7185918 DOI: 10.1016/j.reval.2020.02.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The cumulative incidence of urticaria in children is close to 10%. Two forms are described: the superficial form and the deep form, or angioedema. In young children aged under 3 years, urticaria is commonly annular and ecchymotic, and is mistaken for erythema multiforme or acute hemorrhagic edema. Serum sickness-like reaction is a particular form of urticaria characterized by angioedema of the extremities, fever and arthralgia, and it is chiefly drug-induced (cephalosporins). With children, questioning and clinical examination are essential and, in most cases, reveal an etiology. The main causes of acute or recurrent urticaria are viral infections and/or drugs (non-specific histamine release), whereas chronic urticaria is mostly due to physical causes. In developed countries, parasitic infections are rarely the cause. Arguments in favor of a food allergy are as follows: a setting of atopy, onset within one hour of taking the suspect food, absence of fever or infection, a duration of less than 24 hours, possible association with other signs of anaphylaxis, and further recurrence with each new intake of the suspect food. First-line treatment of urticaria without signs of severity consists solely of non-sedating antihistamine (associated with removal of the cause where the latter has been determined). Nearly one-third of cases of urticaria in children progress over a prolonged period of more than 6 weeks, thus constituting chronic urticaria (most often a form of mild recurrent urticaria during episodes of infection and/or medication). Chronic urticaria is very rarely due to an underlying inflammatory disease or a genetic disease such as cryopyrinopathy, and first-line etiological assessment is usually limited to the following tests: CBC, sedimentation speed and/or CRP, and transaminases.
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