Qatar Medical Journal - 2 - Second Qatar Allergy Conference, April 2023

The 2nd Qatar Allergy and Immunology Conference was organized by the Adult Allergy and Immunology Division of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) over two days as a hybrid conference on the 10th and 11th of February 2023 at ITQAN Clinical Simulation and Innovation Centre. The conference was preceded by two pre-conference workshops directed toward physicians and nurses on the 9th of Febr Read More

Background: Allergic respiratory diseases (allergic rhinitis and asthma) are major health problems with high prevalence causing significant patient morbidity as well as an economic burden (1). Sensitization to inhaled allergens is a major factor in the pathogenesis of allergic respiratory diseases (2). This study aims to determine the commonest aeroallergen sensitization in patients with allergic symptoms Read More

Introduction: Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) are used for the treatment of primary immunodeficiency (PIDD). SCIG is as effective as IVIG in preventing infections.1 However, SCIG has advantages over IVIG as it causes fewer systemic reactions and can be infused at home by the patient leading to improved quality of life.2 Methods: We retrospectively anal Read More

Background: Patch testing is the primary diagnostic approach for contact dermatitis,1 an inflammatory skin reaction caused by exposure to external irritants. The pathophysiology of contact dermatitis may entail an immunological response (hypersensitivity type IV), a non-immunological response (irritant contact dermatitis), or a mix of the two. The diagnosis of contact dermatitis requires a correlation Read More

Introduction: Acquired cold-induced urticaria is a form of physical urticaria that is usually spontaneous. However, reports have shown that bees, wasps, or jellyfish stings can trigger it. We report the first case of cold-induced urticaria following black ant bite-induced anaphylaxis. Case Report: A 41-year-old lady with no chronic illness with a known black ant bite allergy history. Three years ago, she sustained a Read More

Introduction: The pathophysiology of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is not yet fully understood; however, increasing evidence supports the association between CSU and autoimmunity. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. MG management relies on using immunosuppressants and avoiding certain medications that can precipitate an MG crisis. The coexistence of CSU and MG Read More

Background: Acute urticaria is urticaria with or without angioedema that is present for less than six weeks, while chronic urticaria is present for more than six weeks. Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a benign cutaneous inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Acute PL typically resolves within a few weeks, while chronic PL lasts several months. The skin rash of PL may resemble the rash of other conditions, Read More

Introduction: Food allergy incidence is increasing, and reactions can be life-threatening. Food allergies significantly impact patients’ and families’ quality of life (QoL). Here, we describe two cases with adult-onset IgE-mediated food allergy impacting their physical and psychological health and affecting their quality of life. Case Report: Patient 1: A 29-year-old lady, previously healthy, presented with Read More

Introduction: Severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disease, usually manifest in the first six months of life with failure to thrive, oral thrush, recurrent respiratory infection, and chronic diarrhea. Case presentation: In three male patients, we describe an unusual presentation of SCID. They are an outcome of consanguineous marriage; all received the BCG vac Read More

Background: The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with substantial mortality worldwide. Efforts have continued to find an effective treatment for COVID-19. In vitro activity of interferon (IFN) subtypes has been shown against the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Furthermore, the superiority of IFN-β over IFN-α2b and IFN-α2a has been demonstrated in MERS treatment. Early studie Read More

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a high-burden disease that affects approximately 2–5% of adults. AD patients experience intense pruritus and often report sleep and mental health disturbances accompanied by a diminished quality of life. The patients’ perceptions of their treatment benefits are becoming increasingly important in the benefit/risk assessment of therapeutics such as the gold standard in AD therapy, Dupilu Read More

Background: The ‘GeriDerm’ (geriatric dermatology) clinic, is a new dermatology-based service at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), accommodating the needs of our elderly population living in the State of Qatar. Due to the global demographic transition towards an elderly population (≥65 years of age), incidences of chronic diseases, including dermatologic conditions, rise in parallel. Patients of older a Read More

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling neurological disease with an unknown etiology, where the recombinant interferon beta (rIFNβ) is the most established treatment. However, the development of anti-IFNβ antibodies has posed a significant therapeutic drawback. In this study, the interaction between anti-IFNβ antibodies and macrophages was investigated to assess the effects on the immune sy Read More

Introduction: Health apps play an increasing role in everyday healthcare, especially for chronic diseases. The Chronic Urticaria Self Evaluation (CRUSE) is a new mobile health app for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients, which replaces disease tracking via paper and pen, thus making disease monitoring more convenient, increasing tracking compliance, and improving data quality and access. Methods: CR Read More

Objective: A frequent condition known as chronic urticaria (CU) is characterized by the appearance of wheals, angioedema, or both. CU lowers the quality of life and may also result in psychological discomfort. The literature survey revealed few studies dealing with depression and anxiety in these patients. Hence, Hamilton scores for depression and anxiety were used in this study to evaluate the incidence of d Read More

Introduction: Anaphylaxis is a fatal condition that can be easily managed if discovered early. Only a few examples of anaphylaxis-like reactions caused by heparin have been documented, and immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions to heparin are extremely uncommon. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 53-year-old gentleman known to have an End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on Hemodialysis for Read More

Background: Timely access to accurate, up-to-date drug allergy information is critical to avoid potentially life-threatening adverse drug reactions (ADRs). However, the completeness and accuracy of allergy documentation remain a challenge. Inappropriate allergy documentation usually necessitates alternative treatments, increases costs, and may negatively impact patients’ outcomes. Objecti Read More

Background: The role of breastfeeding in the primary prevention of allergic diseases remains controversial, with hardly any reported studies from developing countries. Objective: To evaluate the association between breastfeeding and the presence of allergies. Specifically, we aimed to demonstrate the association between the exclusivity of breastfeeding and the prevalence of allergies, including asthma, eczema Read More

Background: Chronic Urticaria (CU) is a complex skin disease that appears as recurrent raised itchy rash/angioedema or both for more than six weeks. The pathophysiology of CU is complex and has yet to be understood entirely. It is predominantly a mast cell-driven disease with the possible involvement of type 2 inflammation. Current evidence largely favors mast cell activation by an IgE-mediated autoallergic Read More

Objectives: Propolis has an anti-inflammatory effect induced by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, subsequent inhibition of prostaglandin and nitric oxide synthesis, reduction of inflammatory cytokines, and eventually immunosuppressive activity [1-3]. This study aims to evaluate the impact of propolis on clinical features and specific IgE levels against salsola in perennial allergic rhinitis patients. Methods: Thirty patients di Read More