Consenso mexicano para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica en adolescentes y adultos

Abstract Background: The diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies of atopic dermatitis (AD) are generally inconsistent among physicians and health institutions. Objective: To develop a consensus statement among experts to reduce the variations in practice regarding the diagnosis and treatment of patients ≥ 12 years with AD to improve their care. Methods: Systematic literature search in PubMed and GREAT. With methodological support and using the Delphi method, a formal consensus was developed among 16 experts in Dermatology and Allergology, based on the current evidence and its applicability in the Mexican context. Apart from intense electronic communication, several issues of disagreement were discussed in two face-to-face meetings. Results: The clinical experts reached consensus on 46 statements related to the definition, classification, diagnostic strategies and treatment of AD. For the diagnosis we suggest the Williams criteria and for severity scoring the SCORAD (by the doctor) and POEM (by the patient). In addition to general care and treatment education (workshops), we suggest four steps for treatment, depending on severity: 1. Topical treatment with anti-inflammatory agents (and systemic: antihistamines/antileukotrienes —low level evidence—) 2. Phototherapy, 3. Cyclosporin A and 4. Dupilumab, with the possibility of managing this biological earlier on if a fast effect is needed. In extrinsic AD we suggest evaluating the addition of allergen immunotherapy or an elimination diet, if there is an IgE-mediated respiratory or food allergy, respectively. Conclusion: The panel of experts reached consensus on relevant aspects of AD with a focus on the transcultural adaptation of recent evidence. Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Atopic dermatitis treatment; Consensus; Cyclosporin A; Biological treatment; Dupilumab; Omalizumab. Resumen Antecedentes: Los abordajes diagnósticos y las estrategias terapéuticas de la dermatitis atópica generalmente son inconsistentes entre los médicos y entre las instituciones de salud. Objetivo: Consensar las opiniones de expertos para reducir las variaciones en la práctica respecto al diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes ≥ 12 años con dermatitis atópica para mejorar su cuidado. Métodos: Búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en PubMed y GREAT. Con apoyo metodológico y utilizando el método Delphi se desarrolló un consenso formal entre 16 expertos en dermatología y alergología, basándose en la evidencia actual y su aplicabilidad en el contexto mexicano. A parte de una comunicación electrónica intensa, se discutieron los puntos en desacuerdo en dos reuniones presenciales. Resultados: Los expertos clínicos alcanzaron consenso en 46 declaraciones relacionadas con la definición, clasificación, estrategias de diagnóstico y tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica. Para el diagnóstico sugerimos se usan los criterios de Williams y el SCORAD (por parte del médico) y POEM (por parte del paciente) para definir la gravedad. Aunado a cuidados generales y educación terapéutica, sugerimos cuatro pasos para tratamiento, según gravedad: 1. Manejo tópico con antiinflamatorio (y sistémico: antihistamínico/ antileucotrieno —evidencia reducida—) 2. Fototerapia, 3. Ciclosporina A y 4. Dupilumab, con la posibilidad de manejarlo antes si se necesita efecto rápido. En la dermatitis atópica extrínseca sugerimos agregar inmunoterapia con alérgenos o una dieta de eliminación si existe una alergia IgE-mediada, inhalatoria o alimentaria, respectivamente. Conclusión: El panel de expertos realizó consenso en aspectos relevantes de la dermatitis atópica con enfoque en la adaptación transcultural de evidencia reciente. Palabras clave: Dermatitis atópica; Ciclosporina A; Tratamiento biológico; Dupilumab; Omalizumab; Posición de consenso

COVID-19, asthma, and biological therapies: What we need to know

Managing patients with severe asthma during the coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19 is a challenge. Authorities and physicians are still learning how COVID-19 affects people with underlying diseases, and severe asthma is not an exception. Unless relevant data emerge that change our understanding of the relative safety of medications indicated in patients with asthma during this pandemic, clinicians must follow the recommendations of current evidence-based guidelines for preventing loss of control and exacerbations. Also, with the absence of data that would indicate any potential harm, current advice is to continue the administration of biological therapies during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with asthma for whom such therapies are clearly indicated and have been effective. For patients with severe asthma infected by SARS-CoV- 2, the decision to maintain or postpone biological therapy until the patient recovers should be a case-by-case based decision supported by a multidisciplinary team. A registry of cases of COVID- 19 in patients with severe asthma, including those treated with biologics, will help to address a clinical challenge in which we have more questions than answers

Current situation of allergy education in Mexico and other parts of Latin America

Allergic diseases are one of the most frequent chronic diseases in the world. It has been established that there is a worldwide epidemic of allergic diseases; therefore, the treatment of allergies should be acknowledged as a worldwide priority and the specialty of allergy should be considered an important field in medicine. Due to the fact that allergic diseases involve many organs, and Allergy and Clinical Immunology is one of the specialties in which physicians may be trained to treat patients of all ages, the subject in medical schools is not always taught as an individual specialty but often as part of another subject such as internal medicine or pediatrics. Certified allergists are an important contribution to health systems, providing the necessary care for patients who have allergic diseases. Undergraduate programs in many universities do not include allergy as a subject, contributing to a lack of knowledge regarding the correct management of allergic diseases. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 1 allergist per 50,000 people; however, there is an uneven distribution of allergy and clinical immunology specialists. Most practitioners are localized mainly in larger cities and state capitals, while in other regions, specialists are still greatly needed. Support and training systems are required for allergy and clinical immunology specialists to promote continuing education and keep their clinical competence up to date, which will lead to better care for their patients. Increased exposure to the concepts of allergy and clinical immunology diagnosis and treatment in undergraduate education may also potentially lead to an increase in interest in the field of allergy and clinical immunology among physicians in training. This review will approach allergy education in Mexico and other parts of Latin America

Compromising between European and US allergen immunotherapy schools: Discussions from GUIMIT, the Mexican immunotherapy guidelines

Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has a longstanding history and still remains the only disease-changing treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma. Over the years 2 different schools have developed their strategies: the United States (US) and the European. Allergen extracts available in these regions are adapted to local practice. In other parts of the world, extracts from both regions and local ones are commercialized, as in Mexico. Here, local experts developed a national AIT guideline (GUIMIT 2019) searching for compromises between both schools. Methods: Using ADAPTE methodology for transculturizing guidelines and AGREE-II for evaluating guideline quality, GUIMIT selected 3 high-quality Main Reference Guidelines (MRGs): the European Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (EAACI) guideines, the S2k guideline of various German-speaking medical societies (2014), and the US Practice Parameters on Allergen Immunotherapy 2011. We formulated clinical questions and based responses on the fused evidence available in the MRGs, combined with local possibilities, patient's preference, and costs. We came across several issues on which the MRGs disagreed. These are presented here along with arguments of GUIMIT members to resolve them. GUIMIT (for a complete English version, see Supplementary data) concluded the following: Results: Related to the diagnosis of IgE-mediated respiratory allergy, apart from skin prick testing complementary tests (challenges, in vitro testing and molecular such as species-specific allergens) might be useful in selected cases to inform AIT composition. AIT is indicated in allergic rhinitis and suggested in allergic asthma (once controlled) and IgE-mediated atopic dermatitis. Concerning the correct subcutaneous AIT dose for compounding vials according to the US school: dosing tables and formula are given; up to 4 non-related allergens can be mixed, refraining from mixing high with low protease extracts. When using European extracts: the manufacturer's indications should be followed; in multi-allergic patients 2 simultaneous injections can be given (100% consensus); mixing is discouraged. In Mexico only allergoid tablets are available; based on doses used in all sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) publications referenced in MRGs, GUIMIT suggests a probable effective dose related to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) might be: 50–200% of the monthly SCIT dose given daily, maximum mixing 4 allergens. Also, a table with practical suggestions on non-evidence-existing issues, developed with a simplified Delphi method, is added. Finally, dissemination and implementation of guidelines is briefly discussed, explaining how we used online tools for this in Mexico. Conclusions: Countries where European and American AIT extracts are available should adjust AIT according to which school is followed

Guía Mexicana de Práctica Clínica de Inmunoterapia 2011

Existen varias guías internacionales para la práctica clínica de in- munoterapia, que aplican solo parcialmente en México. La primera guía mexicana de inmunoterapia data de 1998

Allergy and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) international survey: Real-life data from the allergy community during the pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak brought an unprecedented challenge to the world. Knowledge in the field has been increasing exponentially and the main allergy societies have produced guidance documents for better management of allergic patients during this period. However, few publications so far have provided real-life data from the allergy community concerning allergy practice during the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, we proposed an international survey on the management of allergic patients during the current pandemic. Methods: We performed an online survey undertaken to reach out the worldwide allergy community by e-mail and social media. The web-based questionnaire contained 24 questions covering demographic data from the participants, clinical practice during this period, and questions related to the new international classification and coding tools addressed for COVID-19. It was circulated for 8 weeks and had anonymous and volunteer context. Results: Data are presented for 635 participants from 78 countries of all continents. Allergists with long-term professional experience were the main audience. As expected, we received many responses as “I have no data” or “I don’t know” to the questions of the survey. However, most with more experience on managing allergic patients during the pandemic agreed that patients suffering from allergic or hypersensitivity conditions have no increased risk of contracting COVID19 or developing SARS CoV-2. Also, participants mentioned that none of the allergy treatments (inhaled corticosteroids, allergen immunotherapy, biological agents) increased the risk of contracting COVID-19 infection including severe presentations. Conclusion: The data presented are a starting point in the process of getting feedback on all the recommendations provided by the allergy societies; it could also be the basis of new strategies to support health professionals while new COVID-19 specific treatments and vaccines are being explored. The information here presented intends to be helpful to the community but represents a course of action in a highly specific situation due to the state of emergency, and it should be helpful to health systems

Guía Mexicana para el Diagnóstico y el Tratamiento de la Urticaria

La urticaria es una enfermedad que padece una quinta parte de la población en algún momento de su vida. Las guías inter- nacionales recientes han propuesto unos cambios de fondo en su diagnóstico y tratamiento, por lo que había la necesidad de crear una guía nacional y multidisciplinaria, con base amplia en los gremios de especialistas y médicos de primer contacto en México. ABSTRACT Urticaria is a disease that a fifth of the population shall suffer once in a lifetime. Recent clinical guidelines have proposed some fundamental changes in the diagnosis and treatment of urticaria, making the development of a national, multidisciplinary guideline, with wide acceptability among different professional groups –both specialists and primary health care workers–, necessary in Mexico

Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections: bridging the gap between clinical practice and guidelines in Latin America

The branches of the immune system work in concert to defend against pathogens and prevent tissue damage due to excessive inflammation. Uropathogens in general, and uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) in particular, have evolved a diverse range of virulence mechanisms to avoid detection and destruction by the mucosal immune system of the urinary tract. Research towards a vaccine active against UPEC continues but has yet to be successful. Orally administered immunomodulatory bacterial lysates both stimulate and modulate the immune response in the urinary tract via the integrated mucosal immune system. The 2018 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on treating acute uncomplicated cystitis recommend aiming for rapid resolution of symptoms, reduction of morbidity, and prophylaxis against reinfection. Recommended short-term antibiotic therapy has the advantage of good compliance, low cost, few adverse events, and low impact on bacterial flora. Antibiotic treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria is only indicated during pregnancy and before invasive interventions. For recurrent infection, prophylaxis using behavioral modification and counseling should be employed first, then nonantibiotic prophylaxis, and, finally, low-dose continuous or postcoital antibiotic prophylaxis. The 2018 EAU guidelines give a strong recommendation for the oral bacterial lysate immunomodulator OM-89. All other nonantibiotic prophylactic strategies require more data, except for topical estrogen for postmenopausal women. For last-resort antibiotic prophylaxis, nitrofurantoin or fosfomycin trometamol are recommended. Guidelines for Latin America are currently being drafted, taking into account the unique ethnicity, availability of medicines, prevalence of antibiotic resistance, and healthcare practices found throughout the region

Skin as an immune organ and clinical applications of skin-based immunotherapy

Abstract Background The prevalence of food allergy is increasing, and allergen avoidance continues to be the main standard of care. There is a critical need for safe and effective forms of immunotherapy for patients with food allergy as well as other allergic diseases. Findings The skin is a multifunctional organ with unique immunologic properties, making it a favorable administration route for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) takes advantage of the skin’s immune properties to modulate allergic responses and is thus one of the allergen-specific immunotherapy approaches currently being investigated for food allergy. Advances made in the understanding of how epicutaneously applied proteins interact with the immune system and in the technology for facilitating such interactions offer many opportunities for clinical application. Research has shown that allergen delivered to intact skin via EPIT is taken up in the superficial layers of the skin by Langerhans cells, avoiding passive movement of allergen through the dermis and limiting systemic circulation. EPIT brings about allergen desensitization by activating a population of regulatory T cells (Tregs) with unique properties and the potential for inducing a sustained effect as well as the possibility (seen in animal models) for protection against further sensitizations. Several clinical trials investigating the therapeutic efficacy of EPIT for treatment of peanut allergy have been completed, as well as a Phase 2 trial for treatment of milk allergy. Conclusions Taken together, the reviewed literature supports the concept that EPIT activates the natural desensitization pathway of the skin, offering a progressive, possibly sustained response. EPIT offers a potential alternative for allergen immunotherapy that is less invasive and carries a lower risk for systemic reactions than oral immunotherapy