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In this issue

In this issue Stress has diverse effects on immune responses whether this be psychological or physical ( 1 ). We have previously reported on various pregnancy complications in relation to atopy outcome in offspring which suggested certain complications did increase the subsequent risk of hay fever ( 2 ). In this issue we have a report on the affects of stress at birth on the newborn’s neutrophil chemotactic responses. Stress resulted in increased chemotaxis and also increased interferon‐γ release. How this might influence the later manifestations of allergic disease remains to be established. Remaining on a neonatal theme, we have a very elegant paper demonstrating that urticaria neonatorum is, in fact, a genuine urticarial phenomenon with mast cells participating in the inflammatory response perhaps as an innate immune response to initial environmental bacterial exposure. We have previously published a study on soluble CD30 serum levels in atopic dermatitis and asthma suggesting it might be a useful marker of severity of disease ( 3 ). In this issue we have a paper on cord blood CD30 levels which were not influenced by the presence or absence of maternal atopy. Previously published papers on the relationship between mannose‐binding lectin (Mbl) and atopic disease suggested a weak association between genetic polymorphisms in the MBL gene with asthma and atopy in children ( 4 ). We have another study this time from a large German cohort suggesting no clear association with atopic disorders in children or indeed even with a predisposition to respiratory infection. We have always known that there is a difference in gender ratios for asthma with males predominating in childhood and an equalization in prevalence through adolescence with a slight female predominance in adulthood. However it has always been assumed this is due to differences in airway function. However, a study from Belgium suggests that there are similar gender differences in relation to allergic sensitization through childhood. In a cross‐sectional study allergic sensitization predominated in males under 8, with a diminishing difference in male:female ratios of sensitization beyond this age. Do neuroendocrine circadian rhythms affect the manifestation of atopic disease. Certainly nocturnal problems predominate in most allergic conditions. A study from Spain has measured melatonin and beta endorphin in a group of children with atopic eczema. During exacerbations there were reductions in the serum levels of both though the difference was only significant by day and not in the night. Nevertheless it is interesting to speculate on whether these factors have any affect on disease activity. Repeated injections of insulin acquired from vials and syringes with latex containing materials might increase the risk of latex sensitization. However a study from Turkey suggests that this is not the case. Finally, in our peer review section, we have a paper from Sweden where birch pollen allergy is common showing that this sensitization is associated with an increased frequency of urticarial episodes, a problem which did not occur in children with other sensitivities. Finally we have our usual educational series contribution this time from a member of the Editorial Board Andrew Kemp, a regular contributor to the journal. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Wiley

In this issue

Warner, J. O.
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology , Volume 18 (8) – Dec 1, 2007
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References (5)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
Copyright © 2007 Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company
ISSN
0905-6157
eISSN
1399-3038
DOI
10.1111/j.1399-3038.2007.00699.x
Publisher site
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Abstract

Stress has diverse effects on immune responses whether this be psychological or physical ( 1 ). We have previously reported on various pregnancy complications in relation to atopy outcome in offspring which suggested certain complications did increase the subsequent risk of hay fever ( 2 ). In this issue we have a report on the affects of stress at birth on the newborn’s neutrophil chemotactic responses. Stress resulted in increased chemotaxis and also increased interferon‐γ release. How this might influence the later manifestations of allergic disease remains to be established. Remaining on a neonatal theme, we have a very elegant paper demonstrating that urticaria neonatorum is, in fact, a genuine urticarial phenomenon with mast cells participating in the inflammatory response perhaps as an innate immune response to initial environmental bacterial exposure. We have previously published a study on soluble CD30 serum levels in atopic dermatitis and asthma suggesting it might be a useful marker of severity of disease ( 3 ). In this issue we have a paper on cord blood CD30 levels which were not influenced by the presence or absence of maternal atopy. Previously published papers on the relationship between mannose‐binding lectin (Mbl) and atopic disease suggested a weak association between genetic polymorphisms in the MBL gene with asthma and atopy in children ( 4 ). We have another study this time from a large German cohort suggesting no clear association with atopic disorders in children or indeed even with a predisposition to respiratory infection. We have always known that there is a difference in gender ratios for asthma with males predominating in childhood and an equalization in prevalence through adolescence with a slight female predominance in adulthood. However it has always been assumed this is due to differences in airway function. However, a study from Belgium suggests that there are similar gender differences in relation to allergic sensitization through childhood. In a cross‐sectional study allergic sensitization predominated in males under 8, with a diminishing difference in male:female ratios of sensitization beyond this age. Do neuroendocrine circadian rhythms affect the manifestation of atopic disease. Certainly nocturnal problems predominate in most allergic conditions. A study from Spain has measured melatonin and beta endorphin in a group of children with atopic eczema. During exacerbations there were reductions in the serum levels of both though the difference was only significant by day and not in the night. Nevertheless it is interesting to speculate on whether these factors have any affect on disease activity. Repeated injections of insulin acquired from vials and syringes with latex containing materials might increase the risk of latex sensitization. However a study from Turkey suggests that this is not the case. Finally, in our peer review section, we have a paper from Sweden where birch pollen allergy is common showing that this sensitization is associated with an increased frequency of urticarial episodes, a problem which did not occur in children with other sensitivities. Finally we have our usual educational series contribution this time from a member of the Editorial Board Andrew Kemp, a regular contributor to the journal.

Journal

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology – Wiley

Published: Dec 1, 2007

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