The current issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology focuses on Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis (FPIES) – from the cover and Marginal Zone to several review articles and editorials.
The editorial by Ariana McClendon, MD, Chloe Citron, MD, and Anna Nowak-Wegrzyn, MD, PhD, highlights the symptoms of FPIES and the changing epidemiology and challenges with diagnosing chronic FPIES. George N. Konstantinou, MD, and Lydia Su Yin Wong, MBBS, focus on the mechanism of this non-IgE-mediated food allergy, noting the activation of Th17 lymphocytes, which suggests a more T cell-mediated mechanism. Lydia Su Yin Wong, MD, Brianne Schmidt, RD, Kirsi Järvinen, MD, PhD, and Marion Groetch, MS, RDN, examine the nutritional aspects of FPIES. It is important to consider these needs as most patients are infants and toddlers, and providing ideal nutrition is critical for growth and development. They note that many patients have deficiencies in their diet, including iron, zinc, and protein.
The CME review by Sara Anvari, MD, MSc, and colleagues discusses the changes in the epidemiology of FPIES. They note that milk is the most common food trigger, but secondary food triggers vary by region and may be based on food introduction patterns. These patterns of FPIES food triggers may be changing due to current early food recommendations. The review also discusses the four different types of FPIES reactions: classic, chronic, adult-onset, and atypical pattern with a mixed picture of IgE reactions and classic FPIES reactions. The Marginal Zone provides a light-hearted view of the needs for additional research in the field.
The December issue also features important articles on the future of allied health practitioners in the field of allergy/immunology and the potential for focused training in allergy/immunology to enhance education and patient care. Another policy article by Elena Gupta, BS, and colleagues examines the issue of food insecurity and mental health concerns in patients with allergy-immunology. It is essential to be aware of these health concerns to provide optimal care for our patients. Two more clinically focused articles include a report from Jolanta Bernatoniene, MD, PhD, and colleagues on a clinical trial for hereditary angioedema in children aged 2-12 years, focusing on safety and efficacy, including a reduction in HAE attacks. Fraser Paterson, MbChB, and Jing Yuan On, MbChB, examined novel spirometry as a predictor of asthma exacerbations in their cohort of nearly 300 patients. They found the classic FEV1/FVC ratio still outperformed more novel measures.
As you read this issue of Annals, we hope you are enjoying the holiday season. As always, if you have any comments, please consider sending correspondence to Annals (email us at annals@ACAAI.org). We are always excited to hear how Annals has helped you improve the lives of your patients!
Jonathan Spergel, MD, PhD, FACAAI
Deputy Editor
