Qatar Medical Journal - Volume 2022, Issue 2 - First allergy conference in Qatar

Allergic diseases are common medical conditions that now show an increasing trend globally and contributes to poor quality of life of the affected individual. Allergies can be fatal in a few instances such as anaphylaxis, severe asthma, and hereditary angioedema if the symptoms are not recognized and treated correctly. (1, 2) The first Allergy Conference in Qatar aimed to highlight the burden of allergic diseases in Qatar and globally with Read More

Background: It is a well-known fact that patients with chronic urticaria (CU) are not at a higher risk for a serious allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis from medications. However, there is a fear and some misconceptions regarding allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine among patients and physicians, which might result in resistance to vaccination. Data about the incidence and severity of COVID-19 vaccine reactions in the CU po Read More

Omalizumab (XOLAIR®) is a recombinant DNA-derived humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that binds to IgE and was first introduced in Qatar in 2009. Omalizumab is used to treat moderate-to-severe allergic asthma (SAA), chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). In this study, we have described a proposal to investigate the outcomes and impact of the clinical use of omalizumab for Read More

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause different types of allergic and pseudo allergic reactions. This results in difficulties in clinical practice. Most cases of NSAID hypersensitivity are mediated by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 enzyme (COX-1), which results in depletion of the protective prostaglandin E2, and promotes the unrestrained synthesis of inflammatory mediators from mast cells. Selective COX-2 inhibit Read More

Background: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common and complex disorder that occurs without any identifiable provoking factor. The mechanisms underlying CU pathogenesis are still not fully understood. The autoimmune theory of IgG autoantibodies to IgE/high-affinity receptor of IgE on mast cells and mast cell activation and autoallergy (IgE-mediated disease) might contribute to CU pathogenesis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous vesi Read More

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a known Primary immunodeficiency disease that results in recurrent, life-threatening bacterial, fungal infections and granuloma formation which requires lifelong antibacterial and antifungal prophylaxis. Sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (TMP-SMX/Septrin) is the prophylactic antibacterial drug of choice.1 Adverse drug reactions, including Fixed Drug Eruption (FDE) to TMP-SMX in CGD patients, are chall Read More

Specialist nurses have a crucial role within the allergy and immunology specialty that reflects their competence in an increasingly complex area of work and ability to use advanced diagnostic testing and therapeutic modalities. A specialist nurse in Qatar follows the local Hamad Medical Cooperation (HMC) guidelines and the competency published by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI). Specialist Allergy Nurses Learnin Read More

Background: Allergic rhinitis and asthma exacerbation are strongly linked to respiratory viral and bacterial infections. COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the risk of infection and the severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis. However, increasing evidence suggests that atopic disease protects against severe COVID-19 illness owing to the underlying type 2 inflammatory process. Many studies hav Read More

Background: Skin prick test (SPT) and intradermal test (IDT) are standard procedures in the allergy practice that are safe when performed. Individuals with a history of allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine can undergo allergy skin testing for polyethylene glycol and polysorbate 80 to determine their eligibility for the same vaccine or a safe alternative. Hypopigmentation is an infrequent adverse effect of corticosteroids, including triamcinol Read More

Background: Unverified penicillin allergy has been linked to adverse patient events and increased healthcare expenditure owing to the usage of broad-spectrum, expensive antibiotics. Penicillin allergy test is the gold standard to diagnose penicillin allergy; and in this study, we present data from Qatar which have not been published before. Methods: Patients with a history of penicillin allergy who underwent penicillin allergy testing between J Read More

Background: Severe COVID-19 is thought to be caused by immune overdrive and cytokine storm. One of the cytokine storm syndromes frequently induced by infections is secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) which can be assessed using H-score. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the rate of patients with COVID-19 who meet HLH criteria based on H-score and the association of H-score with poor outcomes. Methods: In Read More

Background: Qatar has culturally diverse health professionals; and therefore, the care provided may vary according to their background, resulting in variations in care. To bridge this gap, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has established the National Clinical Guidelines (NCG) Program, which aims to reduce variation in care delivery, improve value-add from the healthcare system, adopt international best practices to local context, and ena Read More

Background: The world is ceaselessly adapting to the ever-changing circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and face masks have become a part of our daily routine. Considering the fact that face masks are here to stay, there are challenges people experience regarding wearing them. In this descriptive study, we aimed to investigate the frequent outcomes of long-term use of face masks in the general population. Methods: Tw Read More

Background: Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a chronic disease characterized by chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, asthma, and intolerance to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin challenge is considered the gold standard for diagnosing AERD. Many patients with AERD have reported clinical benefits when desensitized to aspirin and maintained on daily aspirin therapy. In this study, we have summarized Read More

The chain of events that leads to the sensitization of the immune system to environmental antigens, resulting in the onset of allergic disease, has been studied in great detail over the past 30 years. However, during this time, the rate of allergic diseases has increased exponentially, indicating the need to concentrate our studies on host-environmental factors that contribute to the onset of disease. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) play a k Read More

Background: Adverse reactions to local anesthetics (LA) are relatively common; however, true IgE-mediated allergy is extremely rare, estimated to occur in less than 1%. Investigating patients with suspected allergy to LA should begin with a detailed history to exclude other more common operation theater related culprit medications, followed by skin testing. The subcutaneous challenge is considered the gold standard for confirming true Read More

Allergic diseases constitute significant health and economic issues in both developed and developing nations, with epidemiological studies demonstrating a rapid increase in the global prevalence of food allergy among the pediatric population. Cow milk protein allergy (CMPA), one of the most common forms of food allergies observed in early childhood, affects between 2%–6% of infants and children under 3 years of age. CMPA can present a Read More

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis are exposed to various potential allergens from medication, dialysis catheters, topical antiseptics, and different adhesive dressings. Many patients develop a local allergic reaction and get itchy rashes, which may get infected, leading to significant morbidity and preventable health cost. In this study, we aimed to report the incidence of contact dermatitis (CD) and its potential complicatio Read More

Background: The diagnosis of typical cold urticaria (ColdU) relies on whealing in response to local cold stimulation testing (CST). It can also manifest with cold-induced anaphylaxis (ColdA). Till date, it is largely unclear how often patients with ColdU receive adrenaline treatment and are provided with an adrenaline autoinjector (AAI). Methods: An international, cross-sectional study, COLD-CE (i.e., comprehensive evaluation of ColdU and other c Read More

The hesitancy in taking COVID-19 vaccines is a complex process influenced by several factors, including individual, social, and cultural. Health literacy and community awareness around mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are critical for successfully combating the pandemic. Healthcare professionals, including family physicians and nurses, can help increase community awareness and mitigate some misconceptions and hesitancy regarding mRNA CO Read More