Efficacy Analysis of Glucocorticoids in the Treatment of Allergic Purpura in Tibetan Children

Background: Henoch Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is a common immune-related allergic disease in children. It is very important to understand the clinical features of this disease for doctors. Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of glucocorticoids in the treatment of HSP in Tibetan children at high altitude, and to analyze the possible causes of HSP in children at high altitude. The risk factors of the disease provide a reference for the treatment of HSP in children in high altitude areas. Methods: Selecting January 2015 to November 2020, 88 children diagnosed with Henoch-Schonlein Purpura in the outpatient and inpatient departments of the People’s Hospital of Bomi County, Tibet Autonomous Region were the subjects of the study. Its gender, age of onset, season of onset, predisposing factors, allergy history, first symptoms, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, etc., perform retrospective analysis. Results: Among 88 children with allergic purpura, 55 were boys, accounting for 62.5%, and 33 were girls, accounting for 37.5%. Men have more cases than women. All have clinical manifestations of purpura of the skin, among which 35 cases have obvious triggers, of which the above there were 26 cases of respiratory infections, 6 cases of dietary factors, and 3 cases of contact with allergic substances. Simple skin type: 18 cases, accounting for 20.45%;Abdominal type: 6 cases, accounting for 6.82%;2 male cases, accounting for 33.33%;4 female cases, accounting for 66.67%;Articular type: 8 cases, accounting for 33.33%;Renal type: 2 cases, accounting for 2.27%;54 cases of mixed type, accounting for 61.36%. After glucocorticoids, the rashes disappeared, no any adverse reactions. Conclusion: Allergic purpura in children is more common in school-age children, and upper respiratory tract infection is the main predisposing factor. Skin purpura is the main clinical manifestation, often associated with lower extremity joint swelling and pain. There is no significant difference in the efficacy and course of the disease between intravenous and oral treatment. Therefore, clinicians should strictly grasp the indications of glucocorticoids to reduce the occurrence of complications.

Effect of tanshinone on blood coagulation, inflammatory factors and immune function in children with allergic purpura

Objective:To investigate the effects of tanshinone treatment on coagulation function, inflammatory factors and immune function in children with allergic purpura, and to guide clinical medication.Methods:130 children with allergic purpura diagnosed in a certain hospital from November 2015 to June 1818 were selected. According to the random number table method, they were divided into control group and study group, 65 cases in each group. The control group was given conventional anti-allergic drugs, and the study group was treated with tanshinone on the basis of the control group. The changes of renal function, inflammatory factors, coagulation function and immune function were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Result:There were no significant differences in renal function, inflammatory factors, coagulation function and immune function between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the levels of renal function Scr, BUN and Cysc and were significantly decreased in the two groups, and the inflammatory factors PCT, CRP levels were significantly decreased in the two groups (P<0.05). The above indexes of the study group were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, APTT and PT levels were significantly increased in both groups, and FIB and ESR levels were significantly lower (P<0.05). The levels of APTT and PT in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the FIB and ESR level was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of IgG, C3 and C4 were significantly lower in the two groups (P<0.05). The levels of IgG, C3 and C4 in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Tanshinone combined with anti-allergic drugs has significant curative effects on children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura. It can significantly reduce renal function damage, alleviate inflammation stress response, improve coagulation function and correct immune disorders. And it is worthy of clinical application.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Pregnancy Presented with Stroke at 29 Weeks: A Case Report

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but acute, life-threatening condition which may be precipitated by pregnancy. This disorder that presents with thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anemia, and clinical consequences of microvascular thrombosis such as stroke. The exact cause is not known but it is associated with a deficiency of ADAMTS13 enzymes. Immune mediated TTP is more common and can present in pregnancy. The aim of this case is to bring awareness as many clinicians are unaware of this condition in pregnancy, its diagnosis may be missed or delayed, leading to fetal loss or serious maternal implications. In this case the patient presented at 29 weeks with stroke in Emergency department, referred to delivery suit for Obstetric review, with suspicion of Pre-eclampsia/HELLP. The diagnosis of TTP was achieved by a multidisciplinary team who worked tirelessly together. The patient was transferred to a Specialist Tertiary Care Centre for further management. The pregnancy continued until 33 weeks and 5 days. She underwent an emergency caesarean section for fetal distress. Steroids and Rituximab were continued postnatally. The outcome was favourable due to fast and efficient multidisciplinary care. Awareness of this rare but important condition can lead to recognition of clinical presentation, prompt diagnosis and appropriate management.

Identification of 8 Rare Deleterious Variants in ADAMTS13 by Next-generation Sequencing in a Chinese Population with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Objective Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura(TTP)is a rare and fatal disease caused by a severe deficiency in the metalloprotease ADAMTS13 and is characterized by thrombotic microangiopathy.The present study aimed to investigate the genes and variants associated with TTP in a Chinese population.Methods Target sequencing was performed on 220 genes related to complements,coagulation factors,platelets,fibrinolytic,endothelial,inflammatory,and anticoagulation systems in 207 TTP patients and 574 controls.Subsequently,logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the TTP-associated genes based on the counts of rare deleterious variants in the region of a certain gene.Moreover,the associations between common variants and TTP were also investigated.Results ADAMTS13 was the only TTP-associated gene(OR=3.77;95%CI:1.82–7.81;P=3.6×10^(-4))containing rare deleterious variants in TTP patients.Among these 8 variants,5 novel rare variants that might contribute to TTP were identified,including rs200594025,rs782492477,c.T1928G(p.I643S),c.3336_3361del(p.Q1114Afs*20),and c.3469_3470del(p.A1158Sfs*17).No common variants associated with TTP were identified under the stringent criteria of correction for multiple testing.Conclusion ADAMTS13 is the primary gene related to TTP.The genetic variants associated with the occurrence of TTP were slightly different between the Chinese and European populations.

Development of Henoch-Schoenlein purpura in a child with idiopathic hypereosinophilia syndrome with multiple thrombotic onset: A case report

BACKGROUND The incidence of pulmonary embolism(PE) in children is low, but its mortality is high. Hypereosinophilic syndrome(HES) is a group of diseases caused by an abnormal increase in eosinophilic granulocytes resulting in multiple-organ dysfunction. The urgent event of thromboembolism in the pulmonary region provoked by eosinophils in idiopathic HES(IHES) is relatively unusual. This article reports a case of IHES with multiple PEs and left leg venous thrombosis as the first manifestation. One month later, the patient developed Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP), which is very rare.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who was admitted to the hospital with dyspnea, left leg pain, and aggravation. He had bilateral PE and left leg venous embolism with mild eosinophilia. Low-molecular-weight heparin and urokinase were given. At the same time, the interventional department was contacted about filter implantation, followed by urokinase thrombolysis. The left leg thrombus was aspirated under ultrasound guidance. He was discharged from the hospital on rivaroxaban. One month later, he developed a rash on both legs and ankle pain consistent with HSP, with severe eosinophilia and motor and sensory disturbances. The patient was diagnosed with IHES with multiple embolisms complicated by HSP after excluding other causes of the eosinophil elevation. After glucocorticoid treatment, the symptoms were relieved, but the patient later developed purpura nephritis.CONCLUSION We report a rare and life-threatening case of IHES with multiple embolisms associated with HSP.A mild elevation of eosinophils early in the disease leads to difficulties in diagnosis and delayed treatment.

Delayed diagnosis of abdominal Henoch-Schonlein purpura in children:A case report

BACKGROUND For children with abdominal Henoch-Schonlein purpura presenting abdominal pain as an initial symptom and severe clinical manifestations,but without purpura appearance on the skin,the diagnosis and treatment are relatively difficult.This study summarized the characteristics of this group of patients by literature review and provided additional references for further refinement of glucocorticoid therapy in this vasculitis.CASE SUMMARY A 6-year-old girl presented mainly with repeated abdominal pain and had received short-term out-of-hospital treatment with hydrocortisone.On day 7 after onset,gastroscopy revealed chronic non-atrophic gastritis and erosive duodenitis without purpuric rash,and no obvious resolution of the abdominal pain was found after treatment against infection and for protection of gastric mucosa.On day 14 the inflammatory indices continued to rise and the pain was relieved after enhanced anti-infective therapy,but without complete resolution.On day 19,the patient presented with aggravated abdominal pain with purplish-red dots on the lower limbs,by which Henoch-Schonlein purpura was confirmed.After 5 d of sequential treatment with methylprednisolone and prednisone,abdominal pain disappeared and she was discharged.CONCLUSION Henoch-Schonlein purpura-related rash may appear after long-term abdominal pain,and should be distinguished from acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases at the early stage without typical rash.For bacterial infection-induced Henoch-Schonlein purpura,glucocorticoid therapy alone without clearing the infection may not relieve symptoms.

Efficacy of Rituximab Combined with Plasma Exchange in the Treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura(TTP)

Objective:To analyze the curative effect of rituximab combined with plasma exchange in the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.Methods:70 patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura that were treated in our hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected for this study.They were divided into two groups according the treatment method they were about to receive.The patients in the control group received plasma exchange.The observation group was given rituximab in addition to plasma exchange.Then,the therapeutic effects of the two groups were observed,and the incidence of adverse reactions was compared.Results:The rate of effectiveness of the treatment received in observation group and the control group was 97.14%and 82.86%,respectively.The treatment received in observation group had a better therapeutic effect(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group(22.86%)was lower than that of the control group(5.71%),with P<0.05.Conclusion:Rituximab combined with plasma exchange is relatively more effective than plasma exchange alone,with less adverse reaction,making it a viable treatment option.

Epidemiological Features of Allergic Rhinitis in Four Major Cities in Western China

Allergic rhinitis（AR）,with an increasing uptrend of the prevalence in many developed and developing countries,is a global health problem that affects people of all ages and ethnic groups.However,data on the prevalence of self-reported AR in western China are rare.This study investigated the epidemiological features of self-reported AR in western China.In the cross-sectional,population-based study,a validated questionnaire survey on self-reported AR was carried out in 4 major cities in western China by multistage,stratified and cluster sampling,from January to December 2008.The total prevalence rate was 34.3%,with 32.3%（Chongqing）,34.3%（Chengdu）,37.9%（Urumqi）,30.3%（Nanning）,respectively.The prevalence presented to increase with age before 30 years old while decrease with age after 30 years old,and the highest prevalence was in 19-30 years group in Chongqing,Chengdu and Nanning which significantly showed ＂persistent and moderate-severe＂ type（P0.0001）;In Urumqi,there wasn＇t a significant increasing or decreasing trend of prevalence rate with age but with an ＂intermittent and mild＂predominance（P0.0001）.There were no distinct sexual differences in prevalence rates in the 4 cities.The morbidity was positively related to monthly average temperature and sunshine（r=0.76645,P=0.0036;r=0.67303,P=0.0165）,but negatively associated with relative humidity（r=-0.64391,P=0.0238） in Urumqi.Interestingly,the monthly morbidity was negatively associate with average temperature,sunshine and precipitation in Nanning（r=-0.81997,P=0.0011;r=-0.60787,P=0.0360;r=-0.59443,P=0.0415）.Self-reported AR is becoming common in western China with a rapid development in recent years,affecting about three persons out of ten.The climatic factors may have an indirect impact on the prevalence rate through the effects on the local allergens.

Myricetin alleviates ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in mice by regulating Th1/Th2 balance

Objective:To evaluate the effect of myricetin on ovalbumin(OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis in mice.Methods:Mice were sensitized and challenged using OVA(5%,500 mL)intraperitoneally and intranasally,respectively,on an alternative day for 14 days,followed by administration of myricetin(50,100,and 200 mg/kg)till day 21.Nasal symptoms,biochemical parameters,protein expressions,and histopathology were observed.Results:OVA-induced increased nasal symptoms including rubbing,sneezing,and discharge were significantly reduced by myricetin(100and 200 mg/kg)(P<0.05).Myricetin also protected against histamine challenge and attenuated elevated serum immunoglobulin E(IgE;total and OVA-specific),total IgG1,andβ-hexosaminidase levels,as well as leukotriene C4 and interleukins levels in nasal lavage fluid(P<0.05).Western blot analysis showed that myricetin significantly upregulated the protein expression of T-box expressed in T cells,while downregulating the protein expression of GATA binding protein 3,NF-κB,and IκB-α(P<0.05).Additionally,OVA-induced histopathological abberations in the nasal mucosa was markedly ameliorated by myricetin treatment(P<0.05).Conclusions:Myricetin exerts anti-allergic effects against OVAinduced allergic rhinitis via regulating Th1/Th2 balance.

Using eye drops in compliance may improve the symptoms and quality of life in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis: analysis of a two-season web survey

Dear Editor,Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common ocular surface allergic disease, affecting more than 30% of the population[1-2]. In the immediate phase of the allergic reactions(type Ⅰ) in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis(SAC), the binding of antigen with the reaginic antibody leads to the formation and release of chemical mediators, such as histamines, in the local anaphylactic reaction[3].

Topical ketotifen treatment for allergic conjunctivitis:a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM:To assess the efficacy of ketotifen in treating allergic conjunctivitis.METHODS:A systematic search of systematic reviews and Meta-analyses was conducted on the Pub Med and Web Science of Science until October 2021 to address this knowledge gap.Mean difference with 95%CI and P values were used to assess the efficacy of ketotifen.The heterogeneity(I^(2))was used to evaluate the impact of heterogeneity.RESULTS:Eight randomized controlled trials(RCTs)involving 1589 patients were included in this Meta-analysis.The results revealed that after treating with ketotifen,itching(MD=-0.91,95%CI:-1.63 to-0.20,I^(2)=94%,P=0.01),tearing(MD=-0.40,95%CI:-0.61 to-0.18,I^(2)=75%,P=0.0003)and total signs and symptoms(MD=-0.85,95%CI:-1.12 to-0.58,I2=0,P<0.00001)showed better benefit effect compared to the placebo group.CONCLUSION:Topical ketotifen is an effective treatment for patients with allergic conjunctivitis.

Advances on the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis by Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a common and high incidence disease in clinic, which has a certain impact on the work, life and social activities of patients. Modern medicine still lacks effective treatment methods for such diseases. In recent years, clinical cases of children and adolescents have also increased year by year. Objective: In order to provide references for further study and practical treatment on allergic rhinitis, this paper summarized the advances on the treatment of allergic rhinitis by Traditional Chinese Method (TCM) and Western Medicine Method (WMM) in clinical practice and study. Method: Through detailed review and study of literatures, the theory and clinical experiences in TCM, WMM, and integrated treatment of the two were analyzed and summarized. Conclusions: TCM conducts personalized treatment for patients by syndrome differentiation. The main means are to regulate the body’s health Qi and Yang Qi. Drugs, acupuncture, psychology and other means of treatment are all used and the effects of treatment are very well. WMM mainly relieves the infiltration of local inflammatory cells, expands local capillaries, improves nasal permeability and alleviates the occurrence of allergic graduation by using kinds of drugs or surgery. Though both TCM and WMM are effective and have some common characteristics and each has its own characteristics, the combination of TCM and WMM has a good prospect and is more effective and can effectively reduce the adverse reactions of patients, because TCM is to change patients’ own constitution and the starting point of WMM is to eliminate the pathogen.

Comparative acetylome analysis reveals the potential mechanism of high fat diet function in allergic disease

Modern technological lifestyles promote allergic diseases,especially food allergies.The underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be uncovered.Protein acetylation is one of the most important post-translational modifications,and it is involved in regulating multiple body metabolic processes.This study aimed to clarify the effects of a high-fat diet(HFD)on allergy risk and the underlying mechanisms.Four-week-old male C57 BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into two groups and fed a normal fat diet(NFD)or HFD for 24 weeks.Then,serum lipids were measured,and skeletal muscle was collected for acetylome analysis.Compared with the findings in the NFD group,HFD-fed mice were obese and hyperlipidemic.Acetylome analysis also revealed 32 differentially expressed proteins between the HFD and NFD groups.Among these,eight acetylated proteins were upregulated in the HFD group.In addition,13 and 11 proteins were acetylated only in the HFD group and NFD group,respectively.These proteins were mainly involved in regulating energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.This study provides information regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms by which HFD promotes allergy.

Prevalence of allergic rhinitis and associated risk factors in middle school students from Haikou,China

Objective:To identify the prevalence and influencing factors of allergic rhinitis among middle school students in Haikou,and to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis among middle school students in Haikou.Methods:The stratified cluster sampling method was adopted to randomly select the middle school students(aged 12-18)from 8 ordinary or vocational middle schools in Xiuying District,Longhua District,Meilan District and Qiongshan District of Haikou as the survey subjects.The self-made questionnaire was used to conduct the survey from April to May in 2022.Results:A total of 2169 valid questionnaires were collected,the effective rate was 86.6%(2169/2479),814(37.5%)male students and 1355(62.5%)female students.The prevalence rate of allergic rhinitis reported by middle school students in Haikou was 39.8%(863/2169),including 599 cases of intermittent allergic rhinitis(69.4%)and 264 cases of persistent allergic rhinitis(30.6%).The January,February,November and December were the periods of high incidence of symptoms each year.The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that:using antibiotics 5 times a year[OR=2.07,95%CI(1.24-3.45),P=0.005],using antibiotics 3-4 times a year[OR=1.77,95%CI(1.23-2.55),P=0.002],family history of allergic rhinitis[OR=3.84,95%CI(2.67-5.54),P<0.001],history of sinusitis[OR=7.77,95%CI(3.22-18.76),P<0.001],damp living environment[OR=2.87,95%CI(2.00-4.13),P<0.001],history of asthma[OR=8.69,95%CI(1.93-39.12),P=0.005],urban residents[OR=1.68,95%CI(1.35-2.09),P<0.001],frequent exposure to dust[OR=1.59,95%CI(1.20-2.12),P=0.001],male[OR=1.35,95%CI(1.10-1.66),P=0.005],furry pet[OR=1.39,95%CI(1.10-1.75),P=0.006],daily sleep time<8 hours[OR=1.30,95%CI(1.07-1.58),P=0.009]were risk factors for allergic rhinitis.Conclusion:The prevalence of allergic rhinitis among middle school students in Haikou was higher than reported in most areas of China.Male,urban residents,antibiotic use,sleeping less than 8 hours a day,feeding furry pets,living in humid environment,frequent exposure to dust,family history of allergic rhinitis,history of sinusitis and history of asthma were risk factors for allergic rhinitis.Family history of allergic rhinitis,sinusitis and asthma were the most significant factors.

Konjac-mulberry leaf compound powder alleviates OVA-induced allergic rhinitis in BALB/c mice

According to the proportion of 1:1, konjac flour and mulberry leaf powder are compounded into a kind of dietary fiber source(KMCP). It is found to be good for anti-inflammation. However, its precise anti-allergic rhinitis effect and mechanism remain unknown. In our work, the effect of KMCP on allergic rhinitis(AR)induced by ovalbumin(OVA)was investigated. We found that the number of nasal rubbing and sneezing, the eosinophil(EOS)count in the nasal mucosa, and the serum levels of histamine(HIS), OVA-specific immunoglobulin E(OVA-sIgE)and interleukin-4(IL-4)were decreased, and the histopathological changes of nasal mucosa were inhibited. Additionally, the experiments further proved that the KMCP treatment could exert substantial effects on short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)metabolism in the cecum as well. Overall findings suggest that KMCP could suppress the inflammatory response in AR mice, and serve as a novel curative therapeutic for AR without side effects.

Efficacy and anti-inflammatory analysis of glucocorticoid,antihistamine and leukotriene receptor antagonist in the treatment of allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND There are many adverse reactions in the treatment of allergic rhinitis(AR)mainly with conventional drugs.Leukotriene receptor antagonists,glucocorticoids and nasal antihistamines can all be used as first-line drugs for AR,but the clinical effects of the three drugs are not clear.AIM To examine the impact of glucocorticoids,antihistamines,and leukotriene receptor antagonists on individuals diagnosed with AR,specifically focusing on their influence on serum inflammatory indexes.METHODS The present retrospective study focused on the clinical data of 80 patients diagnosed and treated for AR at our hospital between May 2019 and May 2021.The participants were categorized into the control group and the observation group.The control group received leukotriene receptor antagonists,while the observation group was administered glucocorticoids and antihistamines.Conducted an observation and comparison of the symptoms,physical sign scores,adverse reactions,and effects on serum inflammatory indexes in two distinct groups of patients,both before and after treatment.RESULTS Subsequent to treatment,the nasal itching score,sneeze score,runny nose score,nasal congestion score,and physical signs score exhibited notable discrepancies(P<0.05),with the observation group demonstrating superior outcomes compared to the control group(P<0.05).The interleukin(IL)-6,IL-10,tumor necrosis factor-alpha,Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1,Leukotriene D4 after treatment were significantly different and the observation group It is better than the control group,which is statistically significant(P<0.05).Following the intervention,the incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group,including symptoms such as nasal dryness,discomfort in the throat,bitter taste in the mouth,and minor erosion of the nasal mucosa,was found to be 7.5%.This rate was significantly lower compared to the control group,which reported an incidence of 27.5%.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Glucocorticoids and antihistamines have obvious therapeutic effects,reduce serum inflammatory index levels,relieve symptoms and signs of patients,and promote patients'recovery,which can provide a reference for clinical treatment of AR.

Comparison of Allergic Rhinitis and Bronchial Asthma Impacts on Tympanometric Parameters in Children at Kano, Nigeria

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a multifocal IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity reaction that affects sino-nasal mucosa and is characterized by excessive sneezing, watery rhinorrhea, nasal itching, nasal stuffiness and eyes itching. Bronchial asthma (BA) is one of the common childhood diseases that affects the respiratory system characterized by recurrent cough, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty with breathing. The two conditions are different manifestations of allergic disease of the airway;the composition of the inflammatory substrate in the mucosa of allergic patients is similar to the late-phase allergic response seen elsewhere in the respiratory tract, such as in bronchial asthma. Aim: The aim was to compare the impacts of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma on tympanometric parameters in children. Patients & Methods: This is a hospital based comparative cross-sectional study. Two groups of participants aged 4 - 12 years, one group with documented clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and the other group with documented clinical diagnosis of bronchial asthma were consecutively selected from ear, nose and throat (ENT) and pediatrics cardiopulmonary outpatient clinics of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano respectively. Equal number of children aged 4 - 12 years with no history of ENT diseases or bronchial asthma that were selected from elementary schools within the same community served as a control group. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was filled out for all the participants, complete ENT and chest examinations were carried out and subsequently all the selected participants had tympanometry done, findings were recorded and analyzed. Results: The mean age of participants with bronchial asthma was found to be 7.5 ± 2.6 years while participants with allergic rhinitis had the mean age of 6.8 ± 2.1 years. The mean middle ear pressure (MEP) of participants with bronchial asthma was found to be -15.22 dapa and -40.32 dapa in those with allergic rhinitis. Acoustic reflex was found to be absent in 15.4% of the participants with bronchial asthma and 29.6% of allergic rhinitis participants. Type B tympanogram was found in 2.8% of bronchial asthma participants and 7.3% in participants with allergic rhinitis. Type C tympanogram was found in 4.6% of participants with bronchial asthma and 15.5% of participants with allergic rhinitis. Type A tympanogram was found in 90% of participants with bronchial asthma and 75% of participants with allergic rhinitis. The difference between type A, B and C tympanograms of participants with bronchial asthma and those with allergic rhinitis was found to be statistically significant (Type A χ2 = 14.62, df = 4, p value = 0.01, Type B χ2 = 14.06, df = 4, p value = 0.01, Type C χ2 = 17.01, df = 6, p value = 0.01). Conclusion: Participants with allergic rhinitis were found to have more abnormalities of tympanometric parameters compared to participants with bronchial asthma which signifies allergic rhinitis conferred an increased risk of having middle ear diseases and otitis media with effusion compared to bronchial asthma.

Effect of acupuncture on acupoint "Yingxiang-Hegu" on Th1, Th2 cytokines and T-bet/GATA-3 of allergic rhinitis rats

Objective:To explore the effect of"Yingxiang-Hegu"on Th1,Th2-related cytokines and[2]transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 in rats with allergic rhinitis.Methods:Rats were randomly divided into three groups:blank group,model group and acupoint group.The rat model of ovalbumin(OVA)AR was established,and the general condition of the rats was observed and scored.Acupuncture intervention was performed on the acupoint group on the second day after successful modeling,once per day for 20 min for 10 d.After intervention,the general behavior,behavioral score and histomorphological changes of nasal mucosa were observed.Eosinophils(EOS)were counted under microscope after nasal lavage smear staining,and the contents of total IgE,IFN-γ,IL-12,IL-4 and IL-5 in serum were detected by ELISA.Westernblot and IHC were used to detect the protein level and positive protein expression of specific transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 in rat nasal mucosa.Results:After the establishment of the model,except for the blank group,the behavioral observation scores of rats in the model group and acupoint group were more than 5 points,indicating that the model was successful.After acupuncture intervention on acupoint"Yingxiang-Hegu",the behavioral score of rats in the acupoint group and western medicine group was significantly lower than that in the model group(P<0.05).Microscopic examination showed that the structure of nasal mucosa in the model group was obviously damaged,cilia were arranged discontinuously,uneven,local congestion and swelling,a large number of epithelial cells exfoliated and necrotic,goblet cell proliferation,obvious inflammatory cell infiltration.The pathological degree of nasal mucosa in the pair point group was significantly less than that in the model group.Compared with the model group,the levels of IFN-γ,IL-2 and IL-12 in serum were significantly increased,while IgE,IL-4,IL-5 and IL-6 were significantly decreased,GATA-3 protein and positive expression in nasal mucosa were significantly decreased and T-bet was significantly increased after acupuncture.Conclusion:Acupuncture at"Yingxiang-Hegu"can effectively improve the nasal sensitive symptoms and control nasal inflammation in AR rats.The mechanism may be that acupuncture at Yingxiang-Hegu can up-regulate the expression of T-bet,decrease the level of GATA-3,promote the production of Th1 cytokines and inhibit the synthesis and secretion of Th2 cells,thus restoring the immune balance of Th1 and Th2.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura with intestinal perforation and cerebral hemorrhage: A case report

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) with intestinal perforation and cerebral hemorrhage is a very rare clinical condition. There has been no report of HSP complicated with both intestinal perforation and cerebral hemorrhage until October 2012. Here we describe a case of HSP with intestinal perforation and cerebral hemorrhage in a 5-year-old girl. Plain abdominal radiograph in the erect position showed heavy gas in the right subphrenic space with an elevated diaphragm. Partial resection of the small intestine was performed, and pathological analysis suggested chronic suppurative inflammation in all layers of the ileal wall and mesentery. Seventeen days after surgery, cerebral hemorrhage developed and the patient died.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of Henoch-Schonlein purpura: A report of two cases

Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP) is a small vessel vasculitis mediated by type Ⅲ hypersensitivity with deposition of Ig A immune complex in the walls of vessels. It is a multi-system disorder characterizedby palpable purpura, arthritis, glomerulonephritis and gastrointestinal manifestations and commonly occurs in children and young adults. The patients with gastrointestinal involvement usually present with colicky abdominal pain, vomiting and melena. The imaging findings include multifocal bowel thickening with mucosal hyperenhancement, presence of skip areas, mesenteric vascular engorgement, with involvement of unusual sites like stomach, duodenum and rectum. These imaging findings in a child or young adult with appropriate clinical findings could suggest HSP.