Since January 2024, in Albania, we have noted an increased number of visits because of Bordetella pertussis affecting all age groups. The increased numbers reflect increased circulation of Bordetella pertussis in Albania. Increasing cases of Bordetella pertussis are noticed in different European countries (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Increase of pertussis cases in the EU/EEA. 2024.), and its appearance represents a public health problem to be addressed correctly such as introducing the booster dosage of Bordetella pertussis vaccine in the preschool, teenagers and pregnancy, identifying the contacts and early beginning of post-exposure prophylaxis are very important for preventing the burden of Bordetella pertussis and its fatalities.

Pediatric and adolescent asthma is a significant health challenge with high prevalence and socioeconomic costs. Telemedicine has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing asthma management, especially in resource-limited settings and in response to the increasing demand for specialized care, particularly after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, its integration into routine clinical practice is hindered by limited evidence and the absence of standardized protocols tailored to younger populations. Telemedicine offers the potential to optimize healthcare delivery, improve access to specialized services, and support continuous patient monitoring. This initiative aims to address current gaps in standardized practices, ensuring equitable, efficient, and personalized care, particularly in underserved regions. A systematic review of literature on telemedicine and asthma was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases, up to October 2024. Studies were evaluated for effectiveness, safety, patient satisfaction, and ethical considerations. International guidelines were also reviewed, and recommendations were formulated through a modified Delphi process with a panel of seven experts, adhering to Oxford Evidence-Based Medicine grading. Telemedicine significantly enhances asthma management, improving treatment adherence, quality of life, and patient education while reducing unplanned visits. It is particularly beneficial for regions with limited access to specialized care. However, challenges persist, including insufficient data on cost-effectiveness, gaps in professional training, and technological barriers. Telemedicine is a valuable tool for managing pediatric and adolescent asthma, offering numerous benefits in accessibility and care continuity. Nevertheless, further research is needed to address existing challenges, establish best practices, and ensure its adaptability to diverse clinical settings, ultimately paving the way for more effective and equitable asthma care.

In the context of severe asthma, one of the causes of poor disease control has been identified in mucus plugs, which are real obstacles to the physiological flow of air in the bronchi. This clinical case will present the efficacy of dupilumab, as measured by respiratory function and chest computed tomography (CT) imaging, in reducing mucus plugs with consequent improvement in symptoms and function.

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition in children, often exacerbated by allergic reactions, with house dust mites (HDMs) being a significant trigger. Traditional asthma management primarily involves inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, which do not address the underlying allergic mechanisms. Allergen immunotherapy, including subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), has emerged as a strategy to induce immune tolerance to allergens. This review evaluates the efficacy of HDM immunotherapy in paediatric asthma, focusing on reductions in asthma exacerbations, improvements in lung function, decreases in medication use, and enhancements in quality of life (QoL). The review highlights that both subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and SLIT significantly reduce asthma exacerbations in children, with SCIT showing superior efficacy in lung function improvement. Combination therapies, particularly SCIT with biologics, demonstrate enhanced outcomes, including exacerbations and medication use reductions. SCIT has also been shown to improve lung function more effectively than SLIT, particularly in children with high baseline levels of HDM-specific IgE. In terms of safety, both SCIT and SLIT are generally well-tolerated, though SCIT is associated with more localized and systemic reactions, which can be mitigated by combination with biologics. Furthermore, HDM immunotherapy significantly enhances the QoL in paediatric patients by reducing asthma symptoms and improving sleep, leading to long-lasting benefits. Despite these positive outcomes, there remain gaps in knowledge, particularly regarding the optimal duration of therapy and long-term effects post-treatment. Future research should standardize treatment protocols, explore personalized approaches, and investigate the long-term sustainability of treatment benefits to fully optimize the use of HDM immunotherapy in paediatric asthma.

Thanks to improvements in asthma care and availability of new biologic treatments, a relatively novel population of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with severe asthma (SA) is growing. Transition from pediatric to adult care represents a critical phase in the management of SA. We herein describe clinical outcomes, therapeutic adjustments and disease management in a group of SA patients transitioning from the pediatric to the adult care center. This is a retrospective study in which demographic and clinical (comorbidities, baseline treatment, number of asthma attacks, spirometry, airway inflammation [fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurements], patient’s compliance) data of four SA patients during visits in the Pediatric center as well as after transition into the Adult Center, were retrospectively recollected. All patients transitioned at 18 years of age. Clinical parameters, spirometry and FeNO showed significant improvement following the addition of biologics to baseline asthma regimen during pediatric follow-up and the early transition phase. Several months after transition to the Adult Center, two males experienced SA exacerbations following voluntary discontinuation of the biologic treatment. Symptom control was gained after a phenotype driven re-introduction of a biologic drug in the regimen. Male patients were less compliant and independent than females in the adult setting. Transition from pediatric to adult care for patients with SA can be effectively managed with coordinated and structured transition processes. While some patients maintain stable clinical and respiratory outcomes, others risk to lose asthma control. A personalized approach supporting both patient’s independence and adherence to treatment is requested for a successful long-term management.

A high percentage of patients with severe asthma also suffer from nasal polyposis, with dupilumab, an anti-IL-4R antibody both diseases can be treated due to its role in type 2 (T2) inflammation. When these conditions are associated with eosinophilic vasculitis, they may be classified as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), which can be treated with mepolizumab. This case report presents an atypical form of EGPA, following an unusual course that began with the final signs and symptoms and then proceeded backward to the prodromal stages. Our patient, indeed, a 46-year-old woman, was asymptomatic throughout her youth, with the exception of nasal polyps. Later, at the age of 34, she developed late onset asthma, which became increasingly difficult to treat, until old and previously unacknowledged evidence of vasculitis was discovered, giving a twist to our patient’s medical history and, subsequently, to the therapeutic strategy adopted to treat her. This case report aims to highlight the importance of conducting a thorough anamnesis in patients suffering from both severe asthma and nasal polyposis, taking into account the high prevalence of EGPA in this category of patients, as well as its wide range of clinical manifestations, not to mention the various available therapeutic strategies, including mepolizumab.

Telemedicine (TM) is rapidly gaining recognition as a valuable tool for accessing medical treatments globally. The article aimed to review the latest literature on the role of TM in asthma care. It has been shown that TM offers numerous advantages for patients and clinicians, facilitating an easier access to healthcare resulting in higher patient satisfaction. Telemedicine technology, pushed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has improved asthma management, notably treatment adherence. Smart inhalers, wearable gadgets, and smartphone apps allow doctors to make data-driven decisions and empower patients to manage their diseases. Real-world research shows that TM is effective and patient-friendly. Infrastructure constraints, data security issues, and long-term patient engagement must be addressed. In conclusion, a hybrid strategy combining TM and in-person visits, enabled by AI and secure digital solutions, can provide equal, efficient, and comprehensive asthma management.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by a compromised epidermal barrier and heightened immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, often associated with filaggrin (FLG) gene mutations. Genetic factors like FLG mutations and environmental influences, including microbial exposure and pollutants, contribute to the disease’s progression, leading to itchy, inflamed skin. AD frequently coexists with allergic conditions, severely affecting the quality of life. The disease’s pathogenesis involves complex interactions between genetic predispositions, immune responses, and environmental triggers. Despite advances, the development of effective treatments remains challenging due to an incomplete understanding of how FLG mutations influence immune pathways and the variability in AD presentation. Current biomarkers are insufficient to fully capture disease complexity or predict therapeutic responses, highlighting the need for novel biomarkers and personalized approaches. Emerging therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, stem cell therapy, and regenerative medicine show promise in addressing AD’s root causes. This review explores key aspects of AD pathogenesis, focusing on epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune mechanisms, and the need for innovative therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Gelatin is extracted from beef, pork, and fish tissues. An increasing number of cases of gelatin-induced anaphylaxis are associated with α-Gal syndrome (AGS). Only a few cases of anaphylaxis to bovine gelatin (BG) without AGS (BG-woAG) have been described. We report two new cases of anaphylaxis to BG-woAG, highlight the characteristics of this entity, and propose a procedure in cases of suspected anaphylaxis to BG. We selected articles on gelatin allergy between 1987 and 2024. Results: we report two new cases of severe anaphylaxis BG-woAG. Diagnosis was established using skin tests (ST), IgE, and basophil activation tests (BAT). We confirm the existence of allergies to BG-woAG. The main characteristic of these allergies seems to be the presence of BG IgE which differentiates them from AGS-related allergies. These initial data need to be confirmed by larger case series. We propose a diagnostic algorithm for better patient management. To confirm the diagnosis, ST and IgE to BG and α-Gal should be performed. The role of BAT to Gelofusine^® in the diagnostic strategy remains to be defined.

In a previous study, we conducted an in vitro comparison of two sublingual allergy immunotherapy products, namely, house dust mite (HDM) Staloral 300 IR/mL produced by Stallergenes Greer, and HDM Osiris 300 IR/mL produced by ALK-Abelló. Although both products are labeled with the same unit, that is, the index of reactivity (IR), the definition of this unit is different depending on the product. This resulted in HDM Staloral 300 IR/mL displaying a higher total allergenic activity (TAA) and higher contents in major allergens and proteins. The aim of this study was to extend the comparison to cat sublingual extracts, that is, to cat Staloral 300 IR/mL from Stallergenes Greer and cat Osiris 300 IR/mL from ALK-Abelló. While both cat allergen extracts were qualitatively similar, in that they exhibited similar protein and allergen profiles, cat Staloral 300 IR/mL displayed a 2 times higher TAA than cat Osiris 300 IR/mL (according to an in-house method) and contained 1.6 time more proteins, 1.3 and 1.9 time more major allergens Fel d 1 and Fel d 4, respectively. No conclusions on clinical efficacy or safety can be drawn from these data.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels and is produced by the enteroendocrine glands in the large and small intestines in response to the consumption of foods that contain carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When GLP-1 is secreted, it acts on the pancreas to increase insulin production and secretion, while decreasing pancreatic glucagon secretion in order to lower serum glucose. However, GLP-1 also regulates metabolism through the gut-brain axis. While GLP-1 is primarily produced in the gut and released into the bloodstream, small quantities of it can also be synthesized in distinct areas of neurons located in the hindbrain. Recent studies have proposed that GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists (GLP-1RAs) may protect against neuroinflammatory diseases. GLP-1RAs may also be a therapeutic target for asthma as animal models show that these drugs reduce allergen-induced airway inflammation, as the GLP-1R is expressed on lung epithelial and endothelial cells. There is a notable association between insulin resistance and the onset of asthma, particularly among obese people, with this association suggesting that metabolic dysfunction may play a role in asthma development. There is also evidence that there may be a link between asthma pathobiology and neuroinflammation, suggesting that GLP-1 and its analogs may regulate neuroinflammatory pathways that contribute to asthma pathogenesis. Interest is growing, though research remains limited, in how inflammation in the nervous system and lung might be linked. This review will explore how GLP-1R signaling could inhibit interdependent inflammation in both the lung and nervous system. This review will first focus on the inflammation that is known to exist in asthma, then pivot to the current state of neural regulation of asthma, and finally speculate on how GLP-1RA signaling could inhibit both neural and lung inflammation in asthma treatment.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting millions worldwide, with significant variations in clinical presentation influenced by socioeconomic, racial, and environmental factors. This review explores the current understanding of AD pathophysiology, emphasizing immune dysregulation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and the role of cytokines, particularly interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, in disease progression. Safety and efficacy concerns limit traditional corticosteroids, phototherapy, and systemic immunosuppressants, prompting interest in innovative therapies. New biologic agents, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKis), target specific immune pathways, promising outcomes in moderate-to-severe AD cases. Biologics like dupilumab and emerging JAKis have shown substantial efficacy and safety in clinical trials, with notable reductions in inflammation and pruritus. However, these advancements present challenges, including hypersensitivity risks and the high costs of biologics, underscoring the need for further research on long-term safety and accessibility. The shift toward precision medicine in AD management marks a significant evolution, with future approaches likely to integrate targeted therapies alongside multidisciplinary care to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life (QoL).

Severe pediatric asthma is a very challenging type of asthma for both physicians and patients. Precision medicine in severe pediatric asthma has undergone important developments in recent years. This therapeutic approach requires an adequate diagnosis and clinical phenotyping of patients and is useful for predicting the prognosis and response to treatment in this type of patient. This article summarizes the scientific information of the last five years in the diagnosis of severe pediatric asthma, focusing on topics such as genetic markers, biomarkers, lung function, radiological techniques, and bronchoscopy.

This review delves into the complex role of 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) in asthma pathogenesis, focusing on its contributions to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, epithelial injury, and airway remodeling. We provide new insights into potential therapeutic strategies aimed at improving asthma management. Additionally, we examine the pro-inflammatory functions of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and its regulatory mechanisms that upregulate 12/15-LOX, leading to increased oxidative stress and airway remodeling. Key interventions such as vitamin E, esculetin, and baicalein are highlighted for their potential to inhibit 12/15-LOX activity, reduce oxidative stress, and restore mitochondrial function. Vitamin E suppresses IL-4 transcription, reducing 12/15-LOX expression and its inflammatory metabolites, while esculetin and baicalein directly inhibit 12/15-LOX, mitigating inflammation and oxidative damage. These antioxidants also promote mitochondrial biogenesis, protect mitochondrial DNA, and enhance respiratory efficiency, contributing to improved cellular metabolism and reduced apoptosis. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the therapeutic potential of targeting 12/15-LOX pathways to alleviate asthma symptoms and improve patient outcomes, paving the way for novel treatment strategies that significantly enhance asthma therapy.