Katarzyna Pyrz | University College Cork (original) (raw)

Papers by Katarzyna Pyrz

Research paper thumbnail of Abstracts from the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Meeting 2016

Clinical and Translational Allergy, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of A new assessment tool to measure the socio-economic impact of food allergy on patients and parents: the Food Allergy Socio-Economic Questionnaire Short-Form (FASEQ-SF)

Clinical and Translational Allergy, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Building RRI Proficiency through a Community-Based Participatory Research Module

Research paper thumbnail of Participating in a community-based participatory research module: A reflective inquiry

This commentary piece, using a narrative inquiry frame, explores the experiences of five individu... more This commentary piece, using a narrative inquiry frame, explores the experiences of five individuals who came together to participate in a community-based participatory research (CBPR) module. Owing to the short time frame of this accredited module, when the module was live, a particular focus was directed towards dialogical techniques to build trust and respect within the group and subsequently generate potential research questions. The inaugural experience of collaborating on a CBPR module stimulated unique feelings, reflections and learnings for participants, many of which took time to surface. This article aims to make sense of those experiences to support those wishing to engage in CBPR initiatives.

Research paper thumbnail of Abstracts from the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Meeting 2016

Clinical and Translational Allergy

Introduction: Incidence of anaphylaxis is increasing. Data regarding anaphylaxis mortality are li... more Introduction: Incidence of anaphylaxis is increasing. Data regarding anaphylaxis mortality are limited, but conflicting. Our objective was to document anaphylaxis mortality rate (deaths per million population), time trends and specificities according to triggers (iatrogenic, venom, food, unknown), age groups, sex and geographical regions (North and South) in France, between 1979 and 2011. Methods: Data were obtained (1) from database of the National Mortality Center (CEPIDC) to collect cases in which anaphylaxis was included as a cause of death, sex, age, and geographic region of death, (2) from the database of the National Institute for Economical and Statistical studies (INSEE) to define the referent populations. We used a multivariable log-linear Poisson regression model to assess the impact of time period, age, sex and geographic region on anaphylaxis deaths. Results: During the period study, 1603 deaths were collected: 1564 in adults and 39 in children (age <18 year). The overall prevalence of anaphylaxis fatalities was 0.84 per million population (95% IC 0.80-0.88), ranging from 0.08 per million (95% IC 0.05-0.10) in pediatric population to 1.12 per million (95% CI 1.06 to 1.17) in adult population. Annual percentage change for case fatality rate was −2.0% (95% CI −2.5 to −1.5; p < 10 −4) indicating a decrease in case fatality rate during the study period. Anaphylaxis fatality rate was higher in men (1.08 per million [95% IC 1.00 1.16] than women (0.86 per million [95% IC 0.80-0.92]) (p < 10 −4). Triggers of anaphylaxis fatalities were iatrogenic (63%), mostly drugs, venom (14%) and food (0.6%). Unspecified anaphylaxis was frequent (23%). The highest rate was in persons aged >70 years (3.50 per million population per year [95% IC 3.25-3.76]) and the lowest in the pediatric population (p < 10 −4). Only venom-induced mortality rate was higher in South of France (0.16 per million [95% IC 0.13-0.19]) compared with the North (0.11 per million [95% IC 0.09-0.13]) (p = 0.004). Only 8 food-induced fatalities were recorded (age <35 years in 7 cases). Conclusion: Overall anaphylaxis mortality rate is decreasing over the three last decades in France. We confirm that iatrogenic causes are the most frequent causes. Older age and male sex are risk factors of fatal anaphylaxis of any cause except for food-induced anaphylaxis.

Research paper thumbnail of A new assessment tool to measure the socio-economic impact of food allergy on patients and parents: the Food Allergy Socio-Economic Questionnaire Short-Form (FASEQ-SF)

Food Allergy may have an impact on socioeconomic (SE) aspects of life. The Europrevall study (EU ... more Food Allergy may have an impact on socioeconomic (SE) aspects of life. The Europrevall study (EU FP6, 2005-2009) developed and validated a SE questionnaire to measure the direct, indirect and intangible costs of food allergy. This measure takes up to 1 hour to complete as participants are required to respond to 70 to 170 questions, depending on response choice. We aimed to develop a brief, reliable, standardized measure of the socioeconomic impact of food allergy on patients' everyday lives.

Research paper thumbnail of Can we identify patients at risk of life-threatening allergic reactions to food?

Allergy, Jun 1, 2016

Anaphylaxis has been defined as a "severe, life-threatening generalized or systemic hypersensitiv... more Anaphylaxis has been defined as a "severe, life-threatening generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction". However, data indicate that the vast majority of food-triggered anaphylactic reactions are not life-threatening. Nonetheless, severe life-threatening reactions do occur, and are unpredictable. We discuss the concepts surrounding perceptions of severe, life-threatening allergic reactions to food by different stakeholders, with particular reference to the inclusion of clinical severity as a factor in allergy and allergen risk management. We review the evidence regarding factors which might be used to identify those at most risk of severe allergic reactions to food, and the consequences of misinformation in this regard. For example, a significant proportion of food-allergic children also have asthma, yet almost none will experience a fatal food-allergic reaction; asthma is not, in itself, a strong predictor for fatal anaphylaxis. The relationship between dose of allergen exposure and symptom severity is unclear. While dose appears to be a risk factor in at least a subgroup of patients, studies report that individuals with prior anaphylaxis do not have a lower eliciting dose than those reporting previous mild reactions. It is therefore important to consider severity and sensitivity as separate factors, as a highly sensitive individual will not necessarily experience severe symptoms during an allergic reaction. We identify the knowledge gaps which need to be addressed to improve our ability to better identify those most at risk of severe foodinduced allergic reactions.

Research paper thumbnail of Developing and validating a novel questionnaire to capture bio-psycho-social variables of allergic reactions in the community: the AlleRiC study and the preliminary analyses

Clinical and Translational Allergy, Mar 30, 2015

Allergic disease is a growing health risk in the modern world, while its management at profession... more Allergic disease is a growing health risk in the modern world, while its management at professional and patients' levels is unsatisfactory. There is no register of prevalence and biopsychosocial co-factors of allergic reactions as they occur in real world settings. The Allergic Reactions in the Community (AlleRiC) study aims to develop and validate an on-line questionnaire to allow real time food allergic reactions to be reported, with scope for an in depth exploration of related real-world factors.

Research paper thumbnail of An Examination of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire Performance in a Countrywide American Sample of Children: Cross-Cultural Differences in Age and Impact in the United States and Europe

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

It is important to ensure that tools are valid and reliable in the context in which they are used... more It is important to ensure that tools are valid and reliable in the context in which they are used. The development of age and country norms is part of this process. The primary aim of the present study was to examine the performance of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire - Parent Form (FAQLQ-PF) in a countrywide American sample of children with food allergy. The secondary aim was to compare age differences in impact across 9 European countries. In a cross-sectional quantitative design, questionnaires were completed by the parents of 1029 food-allergic children (0-12 years). Participants were recruited via support groups and allergists. Data were analyzed by using multivariate analysis of variance and tests for internal consistency and validity. The average score was calculated for each age group in 15 studies in Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Israel, and the United Kingdom. The FAQLQ-PF has high convergent validity (child: r = 0.49, n = 695, P = .01; parent: r = 0.36, n = 696, P = .01) and discriminant validity, parent: t (719) = 4.67, P = .001 (anaphylaxis yes vs no); t (513), P = .009 (single vs multiple allergens). Internal consistency was excellent (r = 0.96). US health-related quality of life was worse than European health-related quality of life, as indicated by higher FAQLQ-PF scores in US samples. Burden increased with age in all populations. The FAQLQ-PF is appropriate for use in an American population. Findings will form the basis for further work in the development of an online manual with food allergy-normed age scores to allow for precise measurement, interpretation of scores, and comparison across countries and cultures, in clinical and research settings.

Research paper thumbnail of An eHealth Approach to Reporting Allergic Reactions to Food and Closing the Knowledge Gap

Studies in health technology and informatics, 2015

There is an important knowledge gap in food allergy management in understanding the factors that ... more There is an important knowledge gap in food allergy management in understanding the factors that determine allergic reactions to food, in gathering objective reports of reactions in real time, and in accessing patients' reaction-histories during consultations. We investigate how eHealth methods can close this knowledge gap. We report experiences with an online tool for reporting allergic reactions that we have developed as a web application. This application has been successfully validated by participants from Ireland and the UK, and is currently being used in a pilot where participants report allergic reactions in near-real time.

Research paper thumbnail of The role of resilience resources in cardiovascular recovery from laboratory stress

Research paper thumbnail of A short simple tool to measure the impact of food allergy on patients in routine clinical practice; the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire, Parent Form 10 (FAQLQ-PF10)

Clinical and Translational Allergy, 2015

Food Allergy is suboptimally managed, and the future risk for patients with regard to health stat... more Food Allergy is suboptimally managed, and the future risk for patients with regard to health status and quality of life is rarely evaluated in clinical contexts. Existing assessments do not meet physicians' needs for a short simple tool to measure the impact of food allergy on patients health related quality of life (HRQL) in routine clinical practice. We aimed to modify the well-validated Parent Form of Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (FAQLQ-PF) to develop a short, reliable, valid, one scale measure.

Research paper thumbnail of How can we get better at managing food allergies?

Research paper thumbnail of KPyrz PHM2016 Sex&Gender in Food Allergy Abstract(adg).docx

Title "Inclusion of sex (biological) and gender (psychosocial) dimensions are still a challenge f... more Title "Inclusion of sex (biological) and gender (psychosocial) dimensions are still a challenge for European health research: a trans-disciplinary research investigation". Preferred mode of presenting (choose one) Oral V Poster Type of poster (if poster presentation) Researc h Poster Psychology in Action V Research in Developmen t Author names (without titles or degrees [ e.g. S. Smith]) and affiliations (in order of authorship)

Research paper thumbnail of Abstracts from the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Meeting 2016

Clinical and Translational Allergy, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of A new assessment tool to measure the socio-economic impact of food allergy on patients and parents: the Food Allergy Socio-Economic Questionnaire Short-Form (FASEQ-SF)

Clinical and Translational Allergy, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Building RRI Proficiency through a Community-Based Participatory Research Module

Research paper thumbnail of Participating in a community-based participatory research module: A reflective inquiry

This commentary piece, using a narrative inquiry frame, explores the experiences of five individu... more This commentary piece, using a narrative inquiry frame, explores the experiences of five individuals who came together to participate in a community-based participatory research (CBPR) module. Owing to the short time frame of this accredited module, when the module was live, a particular focus was directed towards dialogical techniques to build trust and respect within the group and subsequently generate potential research questions. The inaugural experience of collaborating on a CBPR module stimulated unique feelings, reflections and learnings for participants, many of which took time to surface. This article aims to make sense of those experiences to support those wishing to engage in CBPR initiatives.

Research paper thumbnail of Abstracts from the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Meeting 2016

Clinical and Translational Allergy

Introduction: Incidence of anaphylaxis is increasing. Data regarding anaphylaxis mortality are li... more Introduction: Incidence of anaphylaxis is increasing. Data regarding anaphylaxis mortality are limited, but conflicting. Our objective was to document anaphylaxis mortality rate (deaths per million population), time trends and specificities according to triggers (iatrogenic, venom, food, unknown), age groups, sex and geographical regions (North and South) in France, between 1979 and 2011. Methods: Data were obtained (1) from database of the National Mortality Center (CEPIDC) to collect cases in which anaphylaxis was included as a cause of death, sex, age, and geographic region of death, (2) from the database of the National Institute for Economical and Statistical studies (INSEE) to define the referent populations. We used a multivariable log-linear Poisson regression model to assess the impact of time period, age, sex and geographic region on anaphylaxis deaths. Results: During the period study, 1603 deaths were collected: 1564 in adults and 39 in children (age <18 year). The overall prevalence of anaphylaxis fatalities was 0.84 per million population (95% IC 0.80-0.88), ranging from 0.08 per million (95% IC 0.05-0.10) in pediatric population to 1.12 per million (95% CI 1.06 to 1.17) in adult population. Annual percentage change for case fatality rate was −2.0% (95% CI −2.5 to −1.5; p < 10 −4) indicating a decrease in case fatality rate during the study period. Anaphylaxis fatality rate was higher in men (1.08 per million [95% IC 1.00 1.16] than women (0.86 per million [95% IC 0.80-0.92]) (p < 10 −4). Triggers of anaphylaxis fatalities were iatrogenic (63%), mostly drugs, venom (14%) and food (0.6%). Unspecified anaphylaxis was frequent (23%). The highest rate was in persons aged >70 years (3.50 per million population per year [95% IC 3.25-3.76]) and the lowest in the pediatric population (p < 10 −4). Only venom-induced mortality rate was higher in South of France (0.16 per million [95% IC 0.13-0.19]) compared with the North (0.11 per million [95% IC 0.09-0.13]) (p = 0.004). Only 8 food-induced fatalities were recorded (age <35 years in 7 cases). Conclusion: Overall anaphylaxis mortality rate is decreasing over the three last decades in France. We confirm that iatrogenic causes are the most frequent causes. Older age and male sex are risk factors of fatal anaphylaxis of any cause except for food-induced anaphylaxis.

Research paper thumbnail of A new assessment tool to measure the socio-economic impact of food allergy on patients and parents: the Food Allergy Socio-Economic Questionnaire Short-Form (FASEQ-SF)

Food Allergy may have an impact on socioeconomic (SE) aspects of life. The Europrevall study (EU ... more Food Allergy may have an impact on socioeconomic (SE) aspects of life. The Europrevall study (EU FP6, 2005-2009) developed and validated a SE questionnaire to measure the direct, indirect and intangible costs of food allergy. This measure takes up to 1 hour to complete as participants are required to respond to 70 to 170 questions, depending on response choice. We aimed to develop a brief, reliable, standardized measure of the socioeconomic impact of food allergy on patients' everyday lives.

Research paper thumbnail of Can we identify patients at risk of life-threatening allergic reactions to food?

Allergy, Jun 1, 2016

Anaphylaxis has been defined as a "severe, life-threatening generalized or systemic hypersensitiv... more Anaphylaxis has been defined as a "severe, life-threatening generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction". However, data indicate that the vast majority of food-triggered anaphylactic reactions are not life-threatening. Nonetheless, severe life-threatening reactions do occur, and are unpredictable. We discuss the concepts surrounding perceptions of severe, life-threatening allergic reactions to food by different stakeholders, with particular reference to the inclusion of clinical severity as a factor in allergy and allergen risk management. We review the evidence regarding factors which might be used to identify those at most risk of severe allergic reactions to food, and the consequences of misinformation in this regard. For example, a significant proportion of food-allergic children also have asthma, yet almost none will experience a fatal food-allergic reaction; asthma is not, in itself, a strong predictor for fatal anaphylaxis. The relationship between dose of allergen exposure and symptom severity is unclear. While dose appears to be a risk factor in at least a subgroup of patients, studies report that individuals with prior anaphylaxis do not have a lower eliciting dose than those reporting previous mild reactions. It is therefore important to consider severity and sensitivity as separate factors, as a highly sensitive individual will not necessarily experience severe symptoms during an allergic reaction. We identify the knowledge gaps which need to be addressed to improve our ability to better identify those most at risk of severe foodinduced allergic reactions.

Research paper thumbnail of Developing and validating a novel questionnaire to capture bio-psycho-social variables of allergic reactions in the community: the AlleRiC study and the preliminary analyses

Clinical and Translational Allergy, Mar 30, 2015

Allergic disease is a growing health risk in the modern world, while its management at profession... more Allergic disease is a growing health risk in the modern world, while its management at professional and patients' levels is unsatisfactory. There is no register of prevalence and biopsychosocial co-factors of allergic reactions as they occur in real world settings. The Allergic Reactions in the Community (AlleRiC) study aims to develop and validate an on-line questionnaire to allow real time food allergic reactions to be reported, with scope for an in depth exploration of related real-world factors.

Research paper thumbnail of An Examination of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire Performance in a Countrywide American Sample of Children: Cross-Cultural Differences in Age and Impact in the United States and Europe

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

It is important to ensure that tools are valid and reliable in the context in which they are used... more It is important to ensure that tools are valid and reliable in the context in which they are used. The development of age and country norms is part of this process. The primary aim of the present study was to examine the performance of the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire - Parent Form (FAQLQ-PF) in a countrywide American sample of children with food allergy. The secondary aim was to compare age differences in impact across 9 European countries. In a cross-sectional quantitative design, questionnaires were completed by the parents of 1029 food-allergic children (0-12 years). Participants were recruited via support groups and allergists. Data were analyzed by using multivariate analysis of variance and tests for internal consistency and validity. The average score was calculated for each age group in 15 studies in Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Israel, and the United Kingdom. The FAQLQ-PF has high convergent validity (child: r = 0.49, n = 695, P = .01; parent: r = 0.36, n = 696, P = .01) and discriminant validity, parent: t (719) = 4.67, P = .001 (anaphylaxis yes vs no); t (513), P = .009 (single vs multiple allergens). Internal consistency was excellent (r = 0.96). US health-related quality of life was worse than European health-related quality of life, as indicated by higher FAQLQ-PF scores in US samples. Burden increased with age in all populations. The FAQLQ-PF is appropriate for use in an American population. Findings will form the basis for further work in the development of an online manual with food allergy-normed age scores to allow for precise measurement, interpretation of scores, and comparison across countries and cultures, in clinical and research settings.

Research paper thumbnail of An eHealth Approach to Reporting Allergic Reactions to Food and Closing the Knowledge Gap

Studies in health technology and informatics, 2015

There is an important knowledge gap in food allergy management in understanding the factors that ... more There is an important knowledge gap in food allergy management in understanding the factors that determine allergic reactions to food, in gathering objective reports of reactions in real time, and in accessing patients' reaction-histories during consultations. We investigate how eHealth methods can close this knowledge gap. We report experiences with an online tool for reporting allergic reactions that we have developed as a web application. This application has been successfully validated by participants from Ireland and the UK, and is currently being used in a pilot where participants report allergic reactions in near-real time.

Research paper thumbnail of The role of resilience resources in cardiovascular recovery from laboratory stress

Research paper thumbnail of A short simple tool to measure the impact of food allergy on patients in routine clinical practice; the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire, Parent Form 10 (FAQLQ-PF10)

Clinical and Translational Allergy, 2015

Food Allergy is suboptimally managed, and the future risk for patients with regard to health stat... more Food Allergy is suboptimally managed, and the future risk for patients with regard to health status and quality of life is rarely evaluated in clinical contexts. Existing assessments do not meet physicians' needs for a short simple tool to measure the impact of food allergy on patients health related quality of life (HRQL) in routine clinical practice. We aimed to modify the well-validated Parent Form of Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (FAQLQ-PF) to develop a short, reliable, valid, one scale measure.

Research paper thumbnail of How can we get better at managing food allergies?

Research paper thumbnail of KPyrz PHM2016 Sex&Gender in Food Allergy Abstract(adg).docx

Title "Inclusion of sex (biological) and gender (psychosocial) dimensions are still a challenge f... more Title "Inclusion of sex (biological) and gender (psychosocial) dimensions are still a challenge for European health research: a trans-disciplinary research investigation". Preferred mode of presenting (choose one) Oral V Poster Type of poster (if poster presentation) Researc h Poster Psychology in Action V Research in Developmen t Author names (without titles or degrees [ e.g. S. Smith]) and affiliations (in order of authorship)