1. Evaluation of adherence and knowledge retention for adrenaline autoinjector use in Hymenoptera venom-allergic patients with c-KIT p.D816VTea Močnik, Mitja Košnik, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Introduction: Severe anaphylaxis in patients with clonal mast cell disorders highlights the need for proper use of adrenaline autoinjectors. This study assessed knowledge retention and adherence to autoinjector use in c-KIT p.D816V-positive individuals with hymenoptera venom allergy undergoing venom immunotherapy (VIT) and prescribed two autoinjectors. Methods: Seventy-one VIT patients received personalized autoinjector education, with knowledge assessed at 3, 4 to 12, 12 to 24, and > 24 months. Fifteen patients 5 years post-VIT underwent video-based retraining and were assessed 1 month later. Results: Knowledge retention was 82.3% at 3 months, dropping to 40.0% at 12 to 24 months (p = 0.0160) and 22.2% after 24 months (p = 0.0005), indicating a clear decline over time. Common errors included ignoring the safety cap (16.7%), insufficient injection force, finger injection risk, and upper arm activation (totaling 19.0%). In addition, 19.8% failed to hold the autoinjector in the muscle for 3 seconds, 26.9% did not know to lie supine during anaphylaxis, and 14.3% did not seek emergency help. In the video-retrained group, 80.0% lacked proficiency 1 month later, 73.3% were unaware of the second dose, and 66.7% did not carry their devices. Conclusions: Ongoing tailored education is essential to ensure effective autoinjector use, especially in c-KIT p.D816V-positive venom-allergic patients. Video instruction alone may be insufficient. Ključne besede: Hymenoptera, autoinjector, patient education Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.01.2026; Ogledov: 67; Prenosov: 18
Celotno besedilo (6,38 MB) |
2. Basophil activation test predicts cetuximab anaphylaxis severity in alpha-gal IgE-positive patientsPeter Kopač, Ana Koren, Urška Bidovec, Mitja Košnik, Luka Dejanović, Tanja Mesti, Primož Strojan, Peter Korošec, Janja Ocvirk, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Upon first exposure to cetuximab, hypersensitivity reactions can occur. We aimed to assess the utility of the basophil activation test (BAT) to alpha-gal and cetuximab for predicting severe reactions. We prospectively recruited 38 patients and evaluated sIgE to alpha-gal in all patients before the first application of cetuximab. In all alpha-gal-sensitized patients, we evaluated skin tests to meat extracts, gelatine, and cetuximab and performed BAT with alpha-gal and cetuximab. In 24% (9/38) of patients, sIgE to alpha-gal was >0.10 kUA/L, and 8/9 reacted to the cetuximab. Basophil activation tests with alpha-gal were positive in all sensitized patients and were higher in those with severe reactions (18.3% in grade 4 [n = 4] vs. 1.8% in grade 2 [n = 3] or no reaction [n = 1] at 3.3 ng/mL of alpha-gal; p = 0.03). All patients with severe grade 4 reactions had a positive CD63 BAT response to cetuximab compared to patients with moderate or no reaction, who all had negative BAT (57.7% vs. 0.9% at 500 µg/mL, 63.2% vs. 4.1% at 100 µg/mL, 58.2% vs. 2.7% at 10 µg/mL, and 32.1% vs. 3.3% at 1 µg/mL of cetuximab, respectively; p ≤ 0.001). In summary, before initiating cetuximab treatment, sIgE to alpha-gal should be assessed in all patients. To predict the severity of the reaction and to assess the risk of cetuximab-induced anaphylaxis, we should perform BATs with alpha-gal or more discriminative BATs with cetuximab. Ključne besede: alpha-gal, baseline serum tryptase, basophil activation test, cetuximab, drug allergy Objavljeno v DiRROS: 22.07.2025; Ogledov: 670; Prenosov: 295
Celotno besedilo (768,48 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. Contact urticaria and related conditions: clinical reviewOlivier Aerts, David Pesqué, Melba Munoz, Riccardo Asero, Margarida Gonçalo, Thomas Rustemeyer, Mark Kačar, Ana M. Giménez-Arnau, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Contact urticaria (CoU) is an immediate contact reaction occurring within minutes to an hour after exposure to specific proteins or chemicals. CoU is categorised into non-immunologic (NI-CoU) and immunologic (I-CoU) types, with I-CoU potentially leading to anaphylaxis. Both forms of CoU can be associated with protein contact dermatitis and the CoU syndrome. Patients with I-CoU may also have other type I (immediate) allergic diseases, such as allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma or food allergy. This review provides a detailed overview of CoU and related conditions, focusing on triggers, diagnostic methods and management strategies. NI-CoU is typically triggered by low molecular weight chemicals, while I-CoU involves IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to both high molecular weight proteins and low molecular weight chemicals. Early diagnosis is crucial, though CoU is often underrecognized. The diagnostic approach includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, evaluation of photographs, (non)invasive skin tests and in vitro assessments. Management strategies prioritise trigger avoidance and pharmacological treatments when avoidance is not fully possible. For I-CoU, second-generation H1-antihistamines are the first-line treatment. Severe cases of I-CoU may benefit from anti-IgE therapy (omalizumab). Patients at risk of anaphylaxis should carry an adrenaline auto-injector and wear a medical alert bracelet. Ključne besede: inducible urticaria, occupational urticaria, protein contact dermatitis Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.07.2025; Ogledov: 493; Prenosov: 326
Celotno besedilo (737,36 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy in dogs : safety and clinical efficacyAna Rostaher, Nina Maria Fischer, Alessio Vigani, Barbara Šteblaj, Franco Martini, Salina Brem, Claude Favrot, Mitja Košnik, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Insect venom allergy is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction following a bee, wasp, or ant sting. The only treatment to prevent further systemic sting reactions is venom immunotherapy (VIT), with an efficacy of up to 98% in humans. Prospective clinical data on VIT efficacy in dogs are currently lacking. In this investigation, 10 dogs with severe allergic reactions to either bee or wasp stings were treated with VIT. All dogs tolerated the therapy without adverse effects and the dogs which were re-stung tolerated the sting. This means that VIT is not only safe, but also efficacious in these patients. Furthermore, it was also shown that in addition to skin testing, two serum allergen-specific IgE tests were reliable to identify the underlying patients’ insect sensitization pattern. Ključne besede: anaphylaxis, angioedema, dogs, Hymenoptera allergy, urticaria, venom immunotherapy Objavljeno v DiRROS: 03.07.2025; Ogledov: 599; Prenosov: 333
Celotno besedilo (1,37 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. Adverse events in children and adolescents undergoing allergen immunotherapy for respiratory allergies : report from the Allergen Immunotherapy Adverse Events Registry (ADER), a European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology taskforceJulijana Asllani, Dimitrios Mitsias, George Konstantinou, Mitja Košnik, Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: allergies, immunotherapy, allergens, adverse events, children, adolescents, registries Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Ogledov: 476; Prenosov: 285
Celotno besedilo (835,96 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. ǂThe ǂAllergen Immunotherapy Adverse Events Registry : setup & methodology of a European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology taskforce projectJulijana Asllani, Dimitrios Mitsias, George Konstantinou, Mitja Košnik, Moises Calderon, 2023, drugi znanstveni članki Ključne besede: allergies, immunotherapy, allergens, adverse events, registries Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Ogledov: 435; Prenosov: 257
Celotno besedilo (174,18 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Patient-reported outcome measures in atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria are underused in clinical practiceIvan Cherrez-Ojeda, Jean Bousquet, Ana M. Giménez-Arnau, Kiran V Godse, Dorota Krasowska, Joanna Bartosińska, Paulina Szczepanik-Kułak, Bartłomiej Wawrzycki, Pavel Kolkhir, Anastasiia Allenova, Mitja Košnik, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are validated and standardized tools that complement physician evaluations and guide treatment decisions. They are crucial for monitoring atopic dermatitis (AD) and chronic urticaria (CU) in clinical practice, but there are unmet needs and knowledge gaps regarding their use in clinical practice.
Objecctive
We investigated the global real-world use of AD and CU PROMs in allergology and dermatology clinics as well as their associated local and regional networks.
Methods
Across 72 specialized allergy and dermatology centers and their local and regional networks, 2,534 physicians in 73 countries completed a 53-item questionnaire on the use of PROMs for AD and CU.
Results
Of 2,534 physicians, 1,308 were aware of PROMs. Of these, 14% and 15% used PROMs for AD and CU, respectively. Half of physicians who use PROMs do so only rarely or sometimes. Use of AD and CU PROM is associated with being female, younger, and a dermatologist. The Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Index and Urticaria Activity Score were the most common PROMs for AD and CU, respectively. Monitoring disease control and activity are the main drivers of the use of PROMs. Time constraints were the primary obstacle to using PROMs, followed by the impression that patients dislike PROMs. Users of AD and CU PROM would like training in selecting the proper PROM.
Conclusions
Although PROMs offer several benefits, their use in routine practice is suboptimal, and physicians perceive barriers to their use. It is essential to attain higher levels of PROM implementation in accordance with national and international standards. Ključne besede: allergy, atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, dermatology, patient reported outcome measures Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Ogledov: 451; Prenosov: 272
Celotno besedilo (319,40 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Risk factors for severe sting reactions and side effects during venom immunotherapyGunter Sturm, Eva Schadelbauer, Giorgia Marta, Patrizia Bonadonna, Mitja Košnik, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Understanding the risk factors leading to severe systemic sting reactions (SSRs) is crucial for initiating venom immunotherapy (VIT) and for educating affected individuals and their families. Some of these risk factors are well established, some are no longer considered risk factors, and some remain controversial. Well-established risk factors for severe SSRs include clonal mast cell disease, high baseline serum tryptase, and advanced age. The absence of skin symptoms and the rapid onset of symptoms are indicators of severe SSRs. Recent publications indicate that antihypertensive treatment and stings in the head and neck area are not risk factors for severe SSRs. VIT is the only available treatment that can potentially prevent further anaphylactic reactions. Although rare and generally manageable, individuals undergoing VIT may experience systemic adverse events (sAEs). More sAEs are expected in patients undergoing bee VIT compared with vespid VIT. The role of elevated baseline serum tryptase as a risk factor for sAEs remains debated, but if it is a factor, the risk is increased by only about 1.5-fold. Rapid updosing protocols, depending on the specific regimen, can also be associated with more sAEs. Severe initial SSRs, antihypertensive medication, high skin test reactivity, and high specific IgE levels are not risk factors for sAEs. Ključne besede: immunology, anaphylaxis, Hymenoptera venom allergy, risk factors, severe systemic sting reactions, side effects, venom immunotherapy Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Ogledov: 511; Prenosov: 399
Celotno besedilo (347,09 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Usage prevalence of angioedema patient-reported outcome measures : results from the UCARE and ACARE PROMUSE studyIvan Cherrez-Ojeda, Jean Bousquet, Ana M. Giménez-Arnau, Kiran V Godse, Dorota Krasowska, Joanna Bartosińska, Paulina Szczepanik-Kułak, Bartłomiej Wawrzycki, Pavel Kolkhir, Anastasiia Allenova, Mitja Košnik, 2024, drugi znanstveni članki Ključne besede: allergy, angioedema, measures, results of tests, patient reported outcome measures Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Ogledov: 449; Prenosov: 413
Celotno besedilo (229,33 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Combination of experimental and bioinformatic approaches for identification of immunologically relevant protein–peptide InteractionsJerneja Debeljak, Peter Korošec, Julij Šelb, Matija Rijavec, Mitja Košnik, Mojca Lunder, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Protein–peptide interactions are an essential player in cellular processes and, thus, of great interest as potential therapeutic agents. However, identifying the protein’s interacting surface has been shown to be a challenging task. Here, we present a methodology for protein–peptide interaction identification, implementing phage panning, next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. One of the uses of this methodology is identification of allergen epitopes, especially suitable for globular inhaled and venom allergens, where their binding capability is determined by the allergen’s conformation, meaning their interaction cannot be properly studied when denatured. A Ph.D. commercial system based on the M13 phage vector was used for the panning process. Utilization of various bioinformatic tools, such as PuLSE, SAROTUP, MEME, Hammock and Pepitope, allowed us to evaluate a large amount of obtained data. Using the described methodology, we identified three peptide clusters representing potential epitopes on the major wasp venom allergen Ves v 5. Ključne besede: phage panning, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatic analysis, allergen Ves v 5, epitopes Objavljeno v DiRROS: 02.07.2025; Ogledov: 460; Prenosov: 397
Celotno besedilo (1,63 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |