Study objective: This study aimed to evaluate IgE responses to cypress pollen, a major allergen in the Mediterranean region, in comparison with other common airborne allergens, and to analyze the associations with clinical and demographic profiles in a population in southern Morocco. Patients and methods: Demographic, clinical, and immunobiological data from 515 patients with respiratory allergies, collected over a two-year period, were analyzed. IgE levels specific to cypress pollen and major airborne allergens, quantified using ImmunoCAP (Phadia250 (TM)) in accordance with clinical data and skin prick tests, were correlated with the patients' clinical and demographic characteristics. Results: Of the 515 cases included in the study, 427 (82.91%) were sensitized to at least one airborne allergen, including 3.3% who were specifically sensitized to cypress pollen, with an estimated mean specific IgE level of 2.6 +/- 4.92 kUA/L. Clinical manifestations were represented by asthma associated with rhinoconjunctivitis (50%), followed by rhinoconjunctivitis and isolated rhinitis (21.4% each). Polysensitization (92.9 %) primarily involved olive pollen (64.3 %), ragweed, and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (50% each), Alternaria and Blomia tropicalis (28.6% each), and Dermatophagoides farinae (21.4%), with highly significant associations (p <= 0.001) between cypress and Alternaria, ragweed, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and olive pollen. Anti-cypress IgE levels were correlated with IgE levels for ragweed, parietaria, and wheat (p <= 0.001). Conclusion: Sensitization to cypress pollen is relatively uncommon in southern Morocco and is part of a pattern of polysensitization, primarily associated with olive, ragweed, and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.
We report the case of a 20-year-old man who developed an immediate hypersensitivity reaction following the injection of testosterone undecanoate (long acting formulation with castor-oil). An IgE-mediated mechanism was excluded based on a complete allergological workup, and thus supporting a probable diagnosis of pulmonary oil micro-embolism (POME). This is a rare adverse event associated with injections of oil-formulated drugs. The clinical presentation is sudden and brief, primarily involving respiratory symptoms, but may also include cutaneous or neurological signs that can sometimes "mimic" anaphylaxis.
Objectif Face à l’augmentation de la prévalence des maladies allergiques dans les pays en urbanisation rapide, cette étude vise à comparer les caractéristiques épidémiologiques des allergies dans deux régions algériennes aux contextes environnementaux distincts : la banlieue industrielle de Rouiba (Alger, 2014–2018) et la zone semi-urbaine agricole de Tizi Ouzou (2015–2020). Méthodes Une analyse rétrospective a été réalisée à partir des données cliniques de 490 patients consultant pour suspicion d’allergie, tous ayant bénéficié de tests cutanés (prick-tests). Les diagnostics de rhinite, d’asthme et leurs comorbidités ont été documentés. Résultats Les résultats révèlent deux profils nettement différents. À Rouiba, 38,4 % des patients symptomatiques présentent des prick-tests négatifs, compatible avec une proportion importante de pathologies respiratoires non atopiques possiblement influencées par l’exposition à la pollution. En revanche, à Tizi Ouzou, 95 % des patients sont atopiques, avec le pollen d’olivier identifié comme l’allergène prédominant, sensibilisant 85 % des sujets atopiques. Les deux régions montrent une prédominance féminine (62–65 %) et un taux élevé de comorbidité rhinite-asthme (38–49 %). L’analyse temporelle indique une augmentation de 33 % des cas à Tizi Ouzou en 2019. Conclusion L’Algérie est confrontée à une double épidémie allergique : les zones urbaines industrielles présentent une part importante de pathologies respiratoires non atopiques, possiblement influencées par l’exposition à la pollution, tandis que les régions semi-urbaines sont marquées par une atopie sévère induite par les pollens. Des stratégies de santé publique, des protocoles diagnostiques et des interventions environnementales adaptés à chaque région sont nécessaires de toute urgence.
Introduction Drug hypersensitivity reactions are a frequent cause of allergy consultations in hospitalized children, and challenges in delabeling may lead to inappropriate drug avoidance. This study aimed to determine the rate of drug hypersensitivity among hospitalized children referred for suspected reactions and to evaluate a structured, practical diagnostic approach tailored to the implicated drug, clinical presentation, and patient age. Method In this prospective study, children aged 0–18years who developed suspected drug hypersensitivity reactions during hospitalization were evaluated by pediatric allergists. Bedside assessment was followed by post-discharge diagnostic testing, including skin prick-tests (SPT), intradermal tests (IDT), and drug provocation tests (DPT). Drug hypersensitivity was defined by positive SPT, IDT, or DPT results, or by clinically diagnosed anaphylaxis. Results During one year, 52 children were explored for suspected drug hypersensitivity; 46 underwent diagnostic evaluation. Drug hypersensitivity was diagnosed in 11 patients (24%) while it was excluded in 76%. Beta-lactams were the most frequently suspected and confirmed drugs. A total of 61 SPTs, 57 IDTs, and 58 DPTs were performed. Two DPTs were positive, both to teicoplanin. No severe reactions occurred during diagnostic testing. Multisystem involvement was significantly associated with confirmed drug hypersensitivity (P=0.023). Conclusion The majority of suspected drug hypersensitivity reactions in hospitalized children are excluded after structured evaluation. A systematic, age- and drug-tailored diagnostic approach is feasible and safe and enables effective delabeling in most cases.
