Nasal Provocation Test (nasal + provocation_test)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


The importance of nasal provocation test in the diagnosis of natural rubber latex allergy

ALLERGY, Issue 6 2009
M. Ünsel
Background:, Most studies regarding natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy have concentrated on the prevalance using skin prick test (SPT) and specific IgE assay. The objective of this study is to examine the target organ (skin, nasal mucosa) responses in patients with positive SPT to NRL using the nasal provacation test (NPT) and glove use test (GUT). Methods:, Four thousand four hundred and twenty patients presented to our polyclinic between July 2003 and January 2007 were evaluated. One thousand six hundred and ninety-nine patients had positive SPT to one or more allergens (NRL and other inhaler allergens). Twenty-nine patients with positive SPT to NRL comprised the NRL sensitive group (group 1). Thirty-five randomized patients with positive SPT to an inhaler allergen other than NRL and negative NRL-specific IgE comprised atopic control group (group 2). Thirty healthy individuals who had no allergic diseases and had negative SPT and NRL-specific IgE comprised the healthy control group (group 3). Results:, The lowest NRL allergen concentration leading to NPT positiveness was 0.05 ,g/mL. NPT was negative in groups 2 and 3. NPT was found to have a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 100%, negative predictive value of 98% and positive predictive value of 100%. GUT was found to have a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 90%, negative predictive value of 75% and positive predictive value of 93%. Conclusions:, Nasal provocation test was successfully used for the first time in the diagnosis of NRL allergy. NPT is a more sensitive method as compared to GUT. [source]


Allergenicity and cross-reactivity of Senecio pollen: identification of novel allergens using the immunoproteomics approach

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 6 2008
O. Luengo
Summary Background The genus Senecio is the largest genus of the family Asteraceae (Compositae). The allergenicity of Senecio has not been assessed previously. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the allergens of Senecio jacobea pollen and to determine their immunological characteristics and clinical relevance. Methods Fifty patients with rhinoconjunctivitis and a positive skin prick test (SPT) to Senecio were recruited. The clinical relevance of this pollen was assessed by means of a nasal provocation test (NPT). Allergens were characterized by one-dimensional electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Furthermore, characterization and identification of the allergens were performed by mass spectrometry (MS). In vitro inhibition tests were performed to evaluate cross-reactivity with other pollen. Results Three predominant allergens, both in the intensity of reaction and the frequency of recognition by human-allergic sera, were 59 (60%), 42 (50%) and 31 kDa (50%). The two-dimensional analysis allowed the identification of several allergens. One spot around 42 kDa was identified as a protein homologous to pectate lyase and three other spots were homologous to malate dehydrogenase by MS. S. jacobea proteins showed cross-reactivity with other proteins of the Asteraceae family and also with Parietaria judaica. This was demonstrated by immunoblotting and ELISA inhibition studies. Conclusion S. jacobea constitute a newly discovered allergenic source. It shows cross-reactivity with other members of the Asteraceae plant family as well as with P. judaica. [source]


Bilateral nasal allergen provocation monitored with acoustic rhinometry.

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 3 2005
Assessment of both nasal passages, the side reacting with greater congestion: relation to the nasal cycle
Summary Background The effect of bilateral nasal provocation on nasal mucosa measured with the use of acoustic rhinometry (AR) can be assessed for both nasal passages or for the side responding with greater congestion. Assessment of changes in nasal congestion during the nasal provocation test (NPT) can be affected by the nasal cycle (NC). The aim of this study was to find out the most accurate method to evaluate changes observed during bilateral nasal provocation. Methods Cross-sectional areas (CSA) at the level of inferior nasal turbinate (CSA-2) were recorded by AR in 26 volunteers with allergic rhinitis during the NC for 5,7 h and subsequently during NPT. The risk of spontaneous total and unilateral CSA-2 decrease was established. Sensitivity of the NPT assessment for the total CSA-2 and for the side responding with greater congestion was evaluated at chosen thresholds. These thresholds were selected in a way that the risk levels of spontaneous decrease of unilateral and total CSA-2 were equal. Results The assessment of the total CSA-2 was found to be more sensitive than the assessment of the side responding with greater congestion. The highest sensitivity and specificity of the test was achieved by using a combination of both assessments. Optimum thresholds of the CSA-2 decrease for assessment at 15 min after provocation, with this method, were 27% and 40% for the side responding with greater congestion and for the total CSA-2, respectively. Conclusions Recognition of the risk of spontaneous unilateral and total CSA-2 decreases enables introduction of combined assessment of bilateral NPT. This assessment seems to be the most accurate method for evaluation of the test results. [source]


Sinus CT scans and mediator release in nasal secretions after nasal challenge with cypress pollens

ALLERGY, Issue 8 2004
V. Piette
Background:, Involvement of paranasal sinuses has been suggested in allergic rhinitis but not clearly demonstrated. Aims:, To investigate the relationship between intermittent allergic rhinitis and computerized tomography (CT). Methods:, Twenty patients with intermittent rhinitis and sensitized to cypress pollens underwent unilateral nasal provocation tests (NPTs) using increasing concentrations of cypress pollens out of the pollen season. Sinus CT-scans were carried out just before a NPT and 24 h later. Nasal lavage was carried out just before a NPT, 30 min after a positive challenge and again 24 h later. Leucotriene C4/D4, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and eosinophil cationic protein were measured in nasal secretions. Results:, Thirteen patients (65%) showed an alteration in their CT-scans after allergen challenge. Ten of them showed sinus changes controlateral to their allergenic provocation. Radiological changes mainly affected the osteomeatal complex and the ethmoid sinuses. Pre-existing abnormalities (13 of 20 cases) mainly concerned the maxillary sinuses. There was no correlation between CT-scan abnormalities and levels of mediators released in nasal secretions. Conclusions:, We have shown that nasal allergen challenge can produce radiological changes in the paranasal sinuses. This mainly concerned the ethmoid sinuses. [source]


Three-year follow-up of clinical and inflammation parameters in children monosensitized to mites undergoing sub-lingual immunotherapy

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2005
F. Marcucci
Parallel follow-up of clinical and inflammatory markers during sub-lingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is highly beneficial. Twenty-four children (age 4,16) monosensitized to house dust mite were randomized to receive either active or placebo SLIT for 1 yr in a double-blind placebo controlled design (Marcucci et al., Allergy 2003: 58: 657,62). Thereafter, for 2 yr they all received active treatment. Symptom scores for rhinitis, asthma, and drug usage were daily recorded. Eosinophil cationic proten (ECP) and tryptase in sputum and nasal secretions, serum and nasal mite-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) were recorded before treatment and at 10,12 months intervals. Nasal ECP and nasal tryptase after specific nasal provocation tests were significantly reduced as compared to baseline values (p = 0.0043 and 0.0195, respectively) in the third year of active treatment. None of the other inflammatory parameters was increased. In placebo treated patients all these parameters tended to decrease only after switching to active treatment. Clinical scores did not improve in treated vs. placebo patients in the double-blind placebo-controlled phase of the study. In both cohorts a clinical benefit was observed as intra-group score reduction as compared to baseline. A significant difference was reached in patients treated for 2 yr for rhinitis and asthma (p = 0.0009 and 0.0019, respectively) but not for drug usage and in patients treated for 3 yr for rhinitis, asthma, and drug usage (p = 0.0105, 0.0048, and 0.02, respectively). SLIT in children monosensitized to mites reverted the spontaneous increase in nasal IgE and in local parameters of allergic inflammation. These outcomes were followed by a consolidated clinical improvement in the second and third year of treatment. [source]