Claudio Cravidi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Claudio Cravidi

Italian Journal of Pediatrics

Introduction The incidence of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in children is difficult... more Introduction The incidence of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in children is difficult to estimate because they are typically treated in outpatient settings and the majority of epidemiological data originate from hospital settings and refer to the most severe illnesses. Therefore, the incidence of ARTIs in a real-world setting remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the incidence of ARTIs, upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children aged 0–5 years in an outpatient setting. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted in Lombardy, Italy, from October 1st, 2019, to March 31st, 2021, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic that began in March 2020. Caucasian healthy children aged 0–5 years were recruited from 69 Family Pediatricians (FP) and followed-up in an outpatient setting. Data were collected whenever a child was referred to FP and ARTI was diagnosed (Covid-19 related ARTI were...

Italian Journal of Pediatrics

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdowns, school closures and dista... more Background The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdowns, school closures and distance learning may have had both negative and positive effects on physical and mental health of children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a large group of children between 1 and 10 years old in Lombardy, Italy (n = 3392). Their parents filled in a survey answering single or multiple-choice questions about their offspring’s behavior changes (including sleep, dietary habits, emotional disturbances), relationship with siblings, parents and peers, the use of digital technologies, and distance learning experience during the lockdown. Results Parents reported lifestyles and emotional alterations during the lockdown. The modifications of family relationships, parents’ remote working, and screen time were associated with sleep, emotional and behavioral modifications. Distance learning was overall considered adequate. Conclusions This study reported the most updated data on the eff...

Italian Journal of Pediatrics

BNT162b2 vaccine, developed by BioNTech and Pfizer ha recently approved for use in children aged ... more BNT162b2 vaccine, developed by BioNTech and Pfizer ha recently approved for use in children aged 5 to 11 years. Recent data show evidence of safety on the administration and serious adverse events have been rarely reported. However, allergic systemic reactions could occur. In some cases, a correct allergic evaluation allows identifying patients at risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction. Risk assessment of allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines is useful to limit contraindications to vaccination and help to safely vaccinate people supposed to be at risk of allergic reactions.

Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, Nov 29, 2021

In recent years there has been an important implementation in the medical field of both Mobile He... more In recent years there has been an important implementation in the medical field of both Mobile Health, such as the use of mobile communication devices, and of other telemedicine tools in general, with the aim of supporting the supervision of diseases from the moment of the first diagnosis to the therapeutic follow-up. In fact, Digital Health can also have a very positive impact on the management of allergic patients, who are known to have the greatest need for regular monitoring, simplifying contact between doctor and patient, but there is still a need to improve implementation regulations, define certification programs and adequate reimbursement systems, as well as to guarantee a high level of attention to the protection of sensitive data. The hope is that one positive outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic will be an acceleration, by all stakeholders involved, of the process of the modernization of health care.

Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, Nov 29, 2021

Prevalence of food allergy has been increasing over the last decades. It may appear as an immedia... more Prevalence of food allergy has been increasing over the last decades. It may appear as an immediate or a delayed reaction. The disease has a major impact on the quality of life of patients and their families, and it is associated to elevated costs. Primary care physicians are the first healthcare providers who assist children with food allergy, especially in mild to moderate forms. Through the present review, we examine the steps that should be followed in primary care to manage food allergy, and to promptly prescribe an elimination diet and an emergency kit in case of accidental exposure to the allergen. We also focus on the special management of IgE and non-IgE mediated cow's milk allergy, and on management and prevention of egg and peanuts allergy.

Allergologia et Immunopathologia, 2021

The current systematic review presented and discussed the most recent studies on acute cough in p... more The current systematic review presented and discussed the most recent studies on acute cough in pediatric age. After that, the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology elaborated a comprehensive algorithm to guide the primary care approach to pediatric patients, such as infants, children, and adolescents, with acute cough. An acute cough is usually consequent to upper respiratory tract infections and is self-resolving within a few weeks. However, an acute cough may be bothersome, and therefore remedies are requested, mainly by the parents. An acute cough may significantly affect the quality of life of patients and their family.Several algorithms for the management of acute cough have been adopted and validated in clinical practice; however, unlike the latter, we developed an algorithm focused on pediatric age, and, also, in accordance to the Italian National Health System, which regularly follows the child from birth to all lifelong. Based on our findings, infants from 6 ...

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

To date, the only disease-modifying treatment strategy for allergic rhinitis and asthma is allerg... more To date, the only disease-modifying treatment strategy for allergic rhinitis and asthma is allergen immunotherapy (AIT). There is evidence that AIT improves allergic rhinitis and asthma, such as reducing symptom severity and medication use and improving of quality of life, with a long-lasting effect after the end of the course. The recent clinical trials evidenced AIT effectiveness and safety in allergic asthma. Consequently, the current version of the GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) guidelines recommend AIT as an add-on therapy for asthma. There is also evidence that AIT may exert preventive activity on the possible progression from allergic rhinitis to asthma in children and the onset of new sensitizations. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Available information suggests that anaphylaxis must be promptly recognized keeping in mind the a... more Available information suggests that anaphylaxis must be promptly recognized keeping in mind the airway patency, breathing (ventilation and respiration), circulation and mental status and treated. The first treatment is adrenaline. After successful treatment of an anaphylactic episode, attention must be paid to the prevention of early recurrences (biphasic anaphylaxis) and assessment of causes. Children should not be discharged before prescribing self-injectable adrenaline and explain how and under what circumstances it must be injected, An action plan must be communicated to their communities. Inform the school about potential reactions, how to prevent them and avoidance measures. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Food allergy (FA) is an adverse immunologic response triggered by normally innocuous food protein... more Food allergy (FA) is an adverse immunologic response triggered by normally innocuous food protein antigens. FA can be broadly classified into those that are IgE mediated, those that are mediated by both IgE-dependent and IgE-independent pathways (mixed), and those that are not IgE mediated Immunoglobulin E. (IgE)-mediated reaction is characterized by rapid onset of symptoms involving respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatologic and cardiovascular systems; mixed and non-IgE-mediated has a longer onset and manifests primary in the gastrointestinal tract and skin. The diagnosis of food allergy is based on clinical history, diagnostic testing (skin prick test and allergen-specific IgE levels in the serum), elimination diet and, oral food challenge. In recent years the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric FA have notably improved. In the diagnostic pathway of FA an important recent innovation is the CRD introduction. This resulted in the possibility of improving diagnostic accuracy throug...

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Since the introduction of biologic response modifiers (BRMs) in the management of children affect... more Since the introduction of biologic response modifiers (BRMs) in the management of children affected by the immune-mediated inflammatory disease, these patients substantially improved their quality of life. BRMs are generally well tolerated and effective in most children and adolescents refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy. On the other hand, patients receiving BRMs, especially TNF-α inhibitors, display an increased risk of primary infections or reactivations, i.e. due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis can cause severe disease with consequent short- and long-term morbidity in children on anti-TNF-α treatment. The present paper analyses the increased risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or de novo TB infection in children treated with TNF-α inhibitors, with the purpose to provide recommendations for screening strategies and safety monitoring of paediatric patients. Special attention is also given to the currently available TB screen...

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is induced by an IgE-mediated immune reaction after allergen exposure. The... more Allergic rhinitis (AR) is induced by an IgE-mediated immune reaction after allergen exposure. The typical symptoms are itching, nasal discharge, sneezing and nasal obstruction. The diagnosis is based on the concordance between allergic symptoms and diagnostic tests. The skin prick test (SPT) is recommended as the “gold standard” method. First generation H1-antihistamines are widely used for treatment of AR. Intranasal glucocorticosteroids are well tolerated and can be used also in paediatric age. Allergic rhinitis cannot be considered as an isolated pathology. Other atopic diseases (allergic conjunctivitis, atopic eczema, asthma) are commonly associated. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are inherited disorders classically characterized by increased ... more Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are inherited disorders classically characterized by increased susceptibility to infections. Nevertheless, in the last two decades, genomic analysis (such as NGS) coupled with biochemical and cellular studies led to a more accurate definition for a growing number of novel genetic disorders associated with PIDs. This revealed new aspects of the immune system and its function and regulation within these diseases. In particular, it has been clarified that the clinical features of PIDs are much broader that originally thought and extend beyond an increased susceptibility to infections. More specifically, immune dysregulation is very often described in novel characterized PIDs and can lead to multiple autoimmune diseases, lymphoproliferation and malignancies. If not promptly diagnosed, these could negatively impact patient’s prognosis. The aim of this review is to increase the awareness of recently discovered PIDs, characterized predominantly by immune d...

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease, clinically characterized by recurre... more Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease, clinically characterized by recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itching, leading to excoriations and susceptibility to cutaneous infections. Although it is considered a pediatric disorder, mainly starting in infancy, it is also very common in adults. Etiology of AD is complex and multifactorial: interaction between genetic susceptibility and environment, but also cutaneous barrier impairment, change in microbiome composition and innate and adaptive immune dysregulation are the main factors involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Originally, the disorder was considered mediated by an imbalance towards a T-helper 2 response and excessive IgE production to allergens, but now it is recognized as a lifelong disposition with variable clinical expressivity, where dysfunctions of the epidermal barrier, immune system and microbiome play a central role. AD leads to a substantial psycho-social burden on patients and their ...

Introduction. Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, ... more Introduction. Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, in parallel, to recommend a univocal clinical approach it is not easy and is still questioned. This study is aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of bronchiolitis in children adopted by Italian paediatricians following the national guidelines. Material and methods. A survey study was designed and carried out by sending an email an open-ended questionnaire developed by an expert panel of the Scientific Board of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP). Questions were designed according to the national inter-society consensus document on treatment and prevention of bronchiolitis in newborns and infants. Results. Overall, 234 paediatricians were taking part in the study. When diagnosing bronchiolitis, only 44.01% (103/234) of participants were correctly following the national guidelines. All participants (100%) would perform laboratory tests...

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

In December 2019, in Wuhan (Hubei, China), the first COVID-19 cases due to SARS-COV-2 had been re... more In December 2019, in Wuhan (Hubei, China), the first COVID-19 cases due to SARS-COV-2 had been reported. On July 1st 2020, more than 10.268.839 million people had developed the disease, with at least 506.064 deaths. At present, Italy is the third country considering the number of cases (n=240.760), after Spain, and the second for the cumulative number of deaths (n=249.271), after the United States. As regard pediatric COVID-19 cases, more than 4000 cases (have been reported; however, these figures are likely to be underestimated since they are influenced by the number of diagnostic tests carried out. Three pediatric deaths have been reported in Italy to date. We aimed to review the peculiar aspects of SARS-COV-2 infection in the pediatric population. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Immunity, Inflammation and Disease, 2021

Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, in parallel, t... more Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, in parallel, to recommend a univocal clinical approach is challenging and still questioned. This study is aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of bronchiolitis in children adopted by Italian pediatricians following the national guidelines.

Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has surprised the entire population. The world has had to face an unprecede... more The COVID-19 pandemic has surprised the entire population. The world has had to face an unprecedented pandemic. Only, Spanish flu had similar disastrous consequences. As a result, drastic measures (lockdown) have been adopted worldwide. Healthcare service has been overwhelmed by the extraordinary influx of patients, often requiring high intensity of care. Mortality has been associated with severe comorbidities, including chronic diseases. Patients with frailty were, therefore, the victim of the SARS-COV-2 infection. Allergy and asthma are the most prevalent chronic disorders in children and adolescents, so they need careful attention and, if necessary, an adaptation of their regular treatment plans. Fortunately, at present, young people are less suffering from COVID-19, both as incidence and severity. However, any age, including infancy, could be affected by the pandemic.Based on this background, the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology has felt it necessary to provid...

Italian journal of pediatrics, Jan 23, 2017

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is currently recognized as a clinically effective treatment... more Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is currently recognized as a clinically effective treatment for allergic diseases, with a unique disease-modifying effect. AIT was introduced in clinical practice one century ago, and performed in the early years with allergenic extracts of poor quality and definition. After the mechanism of allergic reaction were recognized, the practice of AIT was refined, leading to remarkable improvement in the efficacy and safety profile of the treatment. Currently AIT is accepted and routinely prescribed worldwide for respiratory allergies and hymenoptera venom allergy. Both the subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual (SLIT) routes of administration are used in the pediatric population.AIT is recommended in allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis with/without allergic asthma, with an evidence of specific IgE-sensitization towards clinically relevant inhalant allergens. Long-term studies provided evidence that AIT can also prevent the onset of asthma and of new sensiti...

Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2013

Background and aim: Studies of adults and children with celiac disease (CD) performed mostly in t... more Background and aim: Studies of adults and children with celiac disease (CD) performed mostly in tertiary care centers have reported an increased risk of overweight during gluten-free diet (GFD). We measured body mass index (BMI) of CD children followed by family pediatricians in order to estimate prevalence of underweight and overweight at diagnosis and to describe BMI changes during GFD. Methods and Results: We compared 150 CD children (age range 2e16 yrs) under GFD from a median (IQR) time of 4.4 (4.2) years with 288 healthy children matched for gender and age. We also evaluated retrospectively BMI changes between CD diagnosis and the current evaluation. The median (IQR) BMI of CD patients was significantly lower than that of controls [À0.38 (1.46) vs. 0.09 (1.18) SDS, p < 0.0001, Italian reference data]. Using the International Obesity Task Force classifications, CD children were less frequently overweight or obese (12% vs. 23.3%, p Z 0.014) and more frequently underweight (16% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.001) than controls. During GFD, there was a marked decrease of number of underweight subjects (13 vs. 27) and a minimal increase of number of overweight subjects (9 vs. 6) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The frequency of overweight and obesity at diagnosis of CD and during GFD in children followed by family pediatricians is substantially lower than that reported in tertiary care centers. On the other hand, the high frequency of underweight at diagnosis confirms the need of careful personalized nutritional management.

Italian Journal of Pediatrics

Introduction The incidence of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in children is difficult... more Introduction The incidence of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in children is difficult to estimate because they are typically treated in outpatient settings and the majority of epidemiological data originate from hospital settings and refer to the most severe illnesses. Therefore, the incidence of ARTIs in a real-world setting remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the incidence of ARTIs, upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children aged 0–5 years in an outpatient setting. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted in Lombardy, Italy, from October 1st, 2019, to March 31st, 2021, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic that began in March 2020. Caucasian healthy children aged 0–5 years were recruited from 69 Family Pediatricians (FP) and followed-up in an outpatient setting. Data were collected whenever a child was referred to FP and ARTI was diagnosed (Covid-19 related ARTI were...

Italian Journal of Pediatrics

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdowns, school closures and dista... more Background The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdowns, school closures and distance learning may have had both negative and positive effects on physical and mental health of children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a large group of children between 1 and 10 years old in Lombardy, Italy (n = 3392). Their parents filled in a survey answering single or multiple-choice questions about their offspring’s behavior changes (including sleep, dietary habits, emotional disturbances), relationship with siblings, parents and peers, the use of digital technologies, and distance learning experience during the lockdown. Results Parents reported lifestyles and emotional alterations during the lockdown. The modifications of family relationships, parents’ remote working, and screen time were associated with sleep, emotional and behavioral modifications. Distance learning was overall considered adequate. Conclusions This study reported the most updated data on the eff...

Italian Journal of Pediatrics

BNT162b2 vaccine, developed by BioNTech and Pfizer ha recently approved for use in children aged ... more BNT162b2 vaccine, developed by BioNTech and Pfizer ha recently approved for use in children aged 5 to 11 years. Recent data show evidence of safety on the administration and serious adverse events have been rarely reported. However, allergic systemic reactions could occur. In some cases, a correct allergic evaluation allows identifying patients at risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction. Risk assessment of allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines is useful to limit contraindications to vaccination and help to safely vaccinate people supposed to be at risk of allergic reactions.

Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, Nov 29, 2021

In recent years there has been an important implementation in the medical field of both Mobile He... more In recent years there has been an important implementation in the medical field of both Mobile Health, such as the use of mobile communication devices, and of other telemedicine tools in general, with the aim of supporting the supervision of diseases from the moment of the first diagnosis to the therapeutic follow-up. In fact, Digital Health can also have a very positive impact on the management of allergic patients, who are known to have the greatest need for regular monitoring, simplifying contact between doctor and patient, but there is still a need to improve implementation regulations, define certification programs and adequate reimbursement systems, as well as to guarantee a high level of attention to the protection of sensitive data. The hope is that one positive outcome of the Covid-19 pandemic will be an acceleration, by all stakeholders involved, of the process of the modernization of health care.

Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, Nov 29, 2021

Prevalence of food allergy has been increasing over the last decades. It may appear as an immedia... more Prevalence of food allergy has been increasing over the last decades. It may appear as an immediate or a delayed reaction. The disease has a major impact on the quality of life of patients and their families, and it is associated to elevated costs. Primary care physicians are the first healthcare providers who assist children with food allergy, especially in mild to moderate forms. Through the present review, we examine the steps that should be followed in primary care to manage food allergy, and to promptly prescribe an elimination diet and an emergency kit in case of accidental exposure to the allergen. We also focus on the special management of IgE and non-IgE mediated cow's milk allergy, and on management and prevention of egg and peanuts allergy.

Allergologia et Immunopathologia, 2021

The current systematic review presented and discussed the most recent studies on acute cough in p... more The current systematic review presented and discussed the most recent studies on acute cough in pediatric age. After that, the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology elaborated a comprehensive algorithm to guide the primary care approach to pediatric patients, such as infants, children, and adolescents, with acute cough. An acute cough is usually consequent to upper respiratory tract infections and is self-resolving within a few weeks. However, an acute cough may be bothersome, and therefore remedies are requested, mainly by the parents. An acute cough may significantly affect the quality of life of patients and their family.Several algorithms for the management of acute cough have been adopted and validated in clinical practice; however, unlike the latter, we developed an algorithm focused on pediatric age, and, also, in accordance to the Italian National Health System, which regularly follows the child from birth to all lifelong. Based on our findings, infants from 6 ...

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

To date, the only disease-modifying treatment strategy for allergic rhinitis and asthma is allerg... more To date, the only disease-modifying treatment strategy for allergic rhinitis and asthma is allergen immunotherapy (AIT). There is evidence that AIT improves allergic rhinitis and asthma, such as reducing symptom severity and medication use and improving of quality of life, with a long-lasting effect after the end of the course. The recent clinical trials evidenced AIT effectiveness and safety in allergic asthma. Consequently, the current version of the GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) guidelines recommend AIT as an add-on therapy for asthma. There is also evidence that AIT may exert preventive activity on the possible progression from allergic rhinitis to asthma in children and the onset of new sensitizations. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Available information suggests that anaphylaxis must be promptly recognized keeping in mind the a... more Available information suggests that anaphylaxis must be promptly recognized keeping in mind the airway patency, breathing (ventilation and respiration), circulation and mental status and treated. The first treatment is adrenaline. After successful treatment of an anaphylactic episode, attention must be paid to the prevention of early recurrences (biphasic anaphylaxis) and assessment of causes. Children should not be discharged before prescribing self-injectable adrenaline and explain how and under what circumstances it must be injected, An action plan must be communicated to their communities. Inform the school about potential reactions, how to prevent them and avoidance measures. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Food allergy (FA) is an adverse immunologic response triggered by normally innocuous food protein... more Food allergy (FA) is an adverse immunologic response triggered by normally innocuous food protein antigens. FA can be broadly classified into those that are IgE mediated, those that are mediated by both IgE-dependent and IgE-independent pathways (mixed), and those that are not IgE mediated Immunoglobulin E. (IgE)-mediated reaction is characterized by rapid onset of symptoms involving respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatologic and cardiovascular systems; mixed and non-IgE-mediated has a longer onset and manifests primary in the gastrointestinal tract and skin. The diagnosis of food allergy is based on clinical history, diagnostic testing (skin prick test and allergen-specific IgE levels in the serum), elimination diet and, oral food challenge. In recent years the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric FA have notably improved. In the diagnostic pathway of FA an important recent innovation is the CRD introduction. This resulted in the possibility of improving diagnostic accuracy throug...

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Since the introduction of biologic response modifiers (BRMs) in the management of children affect... more Since the introduction of biologic response modifiers (BRMs) in the management of children affected by the immune-mediated inflammatory disease, these patients substantially improved their quality of life. BRMs are generally well tolerated and effective in most children and adolescents refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy. On the other hand, patients receiving BRMs, especially TNF-α inhibitors, display an increased risk of primary infections or reactivations, i.e. due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis can cause severe disease with consequent short- and long-term morbidity in children on anti-TNF-α treatment. The present paper analyses the increased risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or de novo TB infection in children treated with TNF-α inhibitors, with the purpose to provide recommendations for screening strategies and safety monitoring of paediatric patients. Special attention is also given to the currently available TB screen...

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is induced by an IgE-mediated immune reaction after allergen exposure. The... more Allergic rhinitis (AR) is induced by an IgE-mediated immune reaction after allergen exposure. The typical symptoms are itching, nasal discharge, sneezing and nasal obstruction. The diagnosis is based on the concordance between allergic symptoms and diagnostic tests. The skin prick test (SPT) is recommended as the “gold standard” method. First generation H1-antihistamines are widely used for treatment of AR. Intranasal glucocorticosteroids are well tolerated and can be used also in paediatric age. Allergic rhinitis cannot be considered as an isolated pathology. Other atopic diseases (allergic conjunctivitis, atopic eczema, asthma) are commonly associated. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are inherited disorders classically characterized by increased ... more Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are inherited disorders classically characterized by increased susceptibility to infections. Nevertheless, in the last two decades, genomic analysis (such as NGS) coupled with biochemical and cellular studies led to a more accurate definition for a growing number of novel genetic disorders associated with PIDs. This revealed new aspects of the immune system and its function and regulation within these diseases. In particular, it has been clarified that the clinical features of PIDs are much broader that originally thought and extend beyond an increased susceptibility to infections. More specifically, immune dysregulation is very often described in novel characterized PIDs and can lead to multiple autoimmune diseases, lymphoproliferation and malignancies. If not promptly diagnosed, these could negatively impact patient’s prognosis. The aim of this review is to increase the awareness of recently discovered PIDs, characterized predominantly by immune d...

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease, clinically characterized by recurre... more Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease, clinically characterized by recurrent eczematous lesions and intense itching, leading to excoriations and susceptibility to cutaneous infections. Although it is considered a pediatric disorder, mainly starting in infancy, it is also very common in adults. Etiology of AD is complex and multifactorial: interaction between genetic susceptibility and environment, but also cutaneous barrier impairment, change in microbiome composition and innate and adaptive immune dysregulation are the main factors involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. Originally, the disorder was considered mediated by an imbalance towards a T-helper 2 response and excessive IgE production to allergens, but now it is recognized as a lifelong disposition with variable clinical expressivity, where dysfunctions of the epidermal barrier, immune system and microbiome play a central role. AD leads to a substantial psycho-social burden on patients and their ...

Introduction. Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, ... more Introduction. Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, in parallel, to recommend a univocal clinical approach it is not easy and is still questioned. This study is aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of bronchiolitis in children adopted by Italian paediatricians following the national guidelines. Material and methods. A survey study was designed and carried out by sending an email an open-ended questionnaire developed by an expert panel of the Scientific Board of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP). Questions were designed according to the national inter-society consensus document on treatment and prevention of bronchiolitis in newborns and infants. Results. Overall, 234 paediatricians were taking part in the study. When diagnosing bronchiolitis, only 44.01% (103/234) of participants were correctly following the national guidelines. All participants (100%) would perform laboratory tests...

Acta Bio Medica : Atenei Parmensis, 2020

In December 2019, in Wuhan (Hubei, China), the first COVID-19 cases due to SARS-COV-2 had been re... more In December 2019, in Wuhan (Hubei, China), the first COVID-19 cases due to SARS-COV-2 had been reported. On July 1st 2020, more than 10.268.839 million people had developed the disease, with at least 506.064 deaths. At present, Italy is the third country considering the number of cases (n=240.760), after Spain, and the second for the cumulative number of deaths (n=249.271), after the United States. As regard pediatric COVID-19 cases, more than 4000 cases (have been reported; however, these figures are likely to be underestimated since they are influenced by the number of diagnostic tests carried out. Three pediatric deaths have been reported in Italy to date. We aimed to review the peculiar aspects of SARS-COV-2 infection in the pediatric population. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Immunity, Inflammation and Disease, 2021

Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, in parallel, t... more Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, in parallel, to recommend a univocal clinical approach is challenging and still questioned. This study is aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of bronchiolitis in children adopted by Italian pediatricians following the national guidelines.

Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has surprised the entire population. The world has had to face an unprecede... more The COVID-19 pandemic has surprised the entire population. The world has had to face an unprecedented pandemic. Only, Spanish flu had similar disastrous consequences. As a result, drastic measures (lockdown) have been adopted worldwide. Healthcare service has been overwhelmed by the extraordinary influx of patients, often requiring high intensity of care. Mortality has been associated with severe comorbidities, including chronic diseases. Patients with frailty were, therefore, the victim of the SARS-COV-2 infection. Allergy and asthma are the most prevalent chronic disorders in children and adolescents, so they need careful attention and, if necessary, an adaptation of their regular treatment plans. Fortunately, at present, young people are less suffering from COVID-19, both as incidence and severity. However, any age, including infancy, could be affected by the pandemic.Based on this background, the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology has felt it necessary to provid...

Italian journal of pediatrics, Jan 23, 2017

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is currently recognized as a clinically effective treatment... more Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is currently recognized as a clinically effective treatment for allergic diseases, with a unique disease-modifying effect. AIT was introduced in clinical practice one century ago, and performed in the early years with allergenic extracts of poor quality and definition. After the mechanism of allergic reaction were recognized, the practice of AIT was refined, leading to remarkable improvement in the efficacy and safety profile of the treatment. Currently AIT is accepted and routinely prescribed worldwide for respiratory allergies and hymenoptera venom allergy. Both the subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual (SLIT) routes of administration are used in the pediatric population.AIT is recommended in allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis with/without allergic asthma, with an evidence of specific IgE-sensitization towards clinically relevant inhalant allergens. Long-term studies provided evidence that AIT can also prevent the onset of asthma and of new sensiti...

Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2013

Background and aim: Studies of adults and children with celiac disease (CD) performed mostly in t... more Background and aim: Studies of adults and children with celiac disease (CD) performed mostly in tertiary care centers have reported an increased risk of overweight during gluten-free diet (GFD). We measured body mass index (BMI) of CD children followed by family pediatricians in order to estimate prevalence of underweight and overweight at diagnosis and to describe BMI changes during GFD. Methods and Results: We compared 150 CD children (age range 2e16 yrs) under GFD from a median (IQR) time of 4.4 (4.2) years with 288 healthy children matched for gender and age. We also evaluated retrospectively BMI changes between CD diagnosis and the current evaluation. The median (IQR) BMI of CD patients was significantly lower than that of controls [À0.38 (1.46) vs. 0.09 (1.18) SDS, p < 0.0001, Italian reference data]. Using the International Obesity Task Force classifications, CD children were less frequently overweight or obese (12% vs. 23.3%, p Z 0.014) and more frequently underweight (16% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.001) than controls. During GFD, there was a marked decrease of number of underweight subjects (13 vs. 27) and a minimal increase of number of overweight subjects (9 vs. 6) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The frequency of overweight and obesity at diagnosis of CD and during GFD in children followed by family pediatricians is substantially lower than that reported in tertiary care centers. On the other hand, the high frequency of underweight at diagnosis confirms the need of careful personalized nutritional management.