Effect of postoperative systemic prednisolone on short-term and long-term outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: A multi-centered randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine whether postoperative additive systemic steroid administration in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) impacted selected endoscopic, subjective and objective outcome measures.

Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, noninferiority multicenter trial of n=106 patients with CRSwNP. All patients underwent primary functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) followed by topical nasal steroids.

Idiopathic Mast Cell Activation Syndrome With Associated Salicylate Intolerance.

Idiopathic mast cell activation syndrome can be a rare cause for chronic abdominal pain in children. It remains a diagnosis by exclusion that can be particularly challenging due to the vast variety of possible clinical manifestations. We present a 13-year-old boy who suffered from a multitude of unspecific complaints over a long period of time.

The AP-1 Transcription Factor c-Jun Promotes Arthritis by Regulating Cyclooxygenase-2 and Arginase-1 Expression in Macrophages.

Activation of proinflammatory macrophages is associated with the inflammatory state of rheumatoid arthritis. Their polarization and activation are controlled by transcription factors such as NF-κB and the AP-1 transcription factor member c-Fos. Surprisingly, little is known about the role of the AP-1 transcription factor c-Jun in macrophage activation.

Excretion of urinary histamine and N-tele methylhistamine in patients with gastrointestinal food allergy compared to non-allergic controls during an unrestricted diet and a hypoallergenic diet.

Background: Patients with gastrointestinal food allergy are characterised by increased production of mast cell derived mediators upon allergen contact and present often with unspecific symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate urinary histamine and methylhistamine excretion in patients with food allergy and to compare their values with food-tolerant controls.

Methods: In a retrospective case control study the urinary excretion parameters were analysed from 56 patients (40.

The differential diagnosis of food intolerance.

Introduction: More than 20% of the population in industrialized countries suffer from food intolerance or food allergy.

Methods: Selective literature search for relevant publications in PubMed and the Cochrane Library combined with further data from the interdisciplinary database on chronic inflammatory and allergic diseases of the Erlangen University Hospital.

Results: The majority of cases of food intolerance (15% to 20%) are due to non-immunological causes.

Salicylate intolerance: pathophysiology, clinical spectrum, diagnosis and treatment.

Introduction: Acetylic salicylic acid (aspirin) intolerance relates to altered generation and metabolism of arachidonic acid and eicosanoids, and prostaglandins and leukotrienes ingestion of salicylates or COX-inhibitors.

Methods: Selective review of literature in PubMed and the Cochrane Library.

Results: Rhinitis, asthma and nasal polyposis are typical presentations, but urticaria and gut inflammation are also described.