[Epidemiologic investigation of the pollen allergy to Cupressaceae in a population at risk for atopy]

The so-called emerging allergens have gained particular interest as causes of atopic diseases, and among these the cypress pollen. In fact, several allergens derived from the Cupressaceae family have appeared for the first time in new environments, thus causing unexpected phenomena. From May 2002 to May 2003 we have examined 560 patients who sought medical attention at the Center for allergic diseases in children. The patients came from various towns and villages from Southern Sardinia and all had undergone prick tests for inhaled allergens, irrespective of their complaints. The presenting symptoms were either respiratory (wheezing cough, rhinitis, asthma), cutaneous (eczema, nettle rash, angioedema) or ocular (conjunctivitis). All patients had a prick test for pollens (cypress, olive, wall pellitory, rag weed, composite, mix gross pollen), acari (Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssimus), dog and cat hair, and fungi (alternaria alternata, aspergillus fumigatus). Thirteen percent of patients (73/547) resulted allergic to cypress pollen, and three of them had a mono-allergy (4,1%). Among these, one suffered bronchospasm, rhinitis and asthma more severe in January-February associated with recurring small eczematous lesions. Another one suffered bronchial asthma during winter months and the last one complained of rhinitis and nasal itching also during winter months.

Role of rHuEpo on blood transfusions in preterm infants after the fifteenth day of life

The specific aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) in reducing the need for blood transfusions in preterm infants after the 15th day of life. Between 1 October 1994 and 1 October 1995, 107 preterm infants, gestational age < or = 34 weeks, were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and received rHuEpo subcutaneously, 900 U/kg week-1, 3 times weekly, supplemented with iron and vitamin E. Treatment was started at 8 days of life and lasted from a minimum of 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months. A total of 116 preterm infants of the same gestational age, admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from 1 January 1992 to 31 December 1992, served as controls. Entry criteria were gestational age < or = 34 weeks and no major congenital malformation. There were no differences in routine care between the two groups. Hematological measurements and transfusion requirements were followed during therapy. The infants were divided into two groups according to birth weight (< 1500 g and > or = 1500 g), and for each group the number of patients who received blood transfusions and when blood transfusions occurred, before or after the 15th day of life, was recorded. There was a statistically significant difference only for transfusions carried out after the 15th day of life (p < 0.002). No adverse effects attributable to rHuEpo during the treatment were noted. The results indicate that early rHuEpo treatment, in combination with iron supplements, is effective in reducing the need for blood transfusions in preterm infants after the 15th day of life.