Allergy & Immunology

Asthma and allergic burden linked to higher fracture and osteoporosis risk in older adults

In UK Biobank adults age ≥60, asthma was associated with incident major osteoporotic fracture (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.14–1.27). Asthma also associated with hospital-recorded osteoporosis (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.38–1.52) over median 13.8 years. Coexisting allergic rhinitis plus asthma and higher allergic disease burden showed graded, stronger associations. These are observational findings and do not prove causation; residual confounding and misclassification may affect estimates. 1

HLA-DQ susceptibility and wheat/gluten IgG reactivity commonly co-occur in symptomatic adults

In 100 symptomatic adults, HLA-DQ susceptibility variants were universally present and DQ8 and DQ3 were significant markers. Specific IgG reactivity to wheat/gluten occurred in 68% and showed strong correlation (rs=0.887) and cross-reactivity (OR=88.2). Authors propose biomarker-informed nutrition in real-world settings, but this retrospective cohort used convenience sampling. HLA-DQ and IgG profiles may inform evaluation, yet they are not established diagnostic standards for wheat/gluten sensitivity. 2

Each additional pediatric food allergy increases patient and caregiver psychosocial burden

In the FORWARD cohort (N up to 2206), each additional current IgE-mediated food allergy increased patient FAQL-PF10 scores (B=0.082; p=0.004). Additional allergies also increased FAIM-PF (B=0.152; p<0.001) and caregiver burden FAQL-PB (B=0.166; p<0.001). Effects persisted after adjustment for demographics, income, education, comorbidities, and site. Screen for psychosocial distress and consider tailored behavioral or pharmacologic supports for multi-food allergic families. 3