Additive allergy: allergic gastroenteritis due to yellow dye #6

Article Abstract:

A case study is reported of an individual who was hospitalized four times over a two-year period for severe abdominal cramps; the patient was diagnosed with food allergies or allergic gastroenteritis. Food allergies are often hard to recognize. Using an elimination diet, several foods and drugs were identified as causes of the cramps. The common agent of these foods and drugs was the artificial coloring agent FD&C yellow #6 (Sunset yellow). Capsules containing yellow #6 were given to the patient to see if the reagent was the cause of the food allergy. After the first challenge, the patient developed moderately severe cramps and hives. Challenges with other substances did not cause cramping. After the second challenge, severe abdominal cramps occurred. The patient was advised to avoid all products which contain yellow #6. Because coloring agents are used in combination, the color of the product alone cannot be used as a guide. When analyzing foods which may cause allergies, all the additives in processed foods and drugs should be considered. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Diagnosis, Food additives, Food allergy, Food hypersensitivity, Gastroenteritis, Food colorings, Food coloring agents

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The efficacy of influenza vaccine in elderly persons: a meta-analysis and review of the literature

Article Abstract:

Yearly flu vaccines may help reduce the possibility of elderly people developing pneumonia, requiring hospitalization, and dying of respiratory illness. Researchers reviewed the current literature and pooled the data on 20 studies and reported the data on 4 additional studies that all examined the effectiveness of the flu vaccine in the elderly. The pooled data indicate the flu vaccine reduced the risk of death by 68%, hospitalization by 48%, respiratory illness by 56%, and pneumonia by 53%. An additional study found that the flu vaccine prevented 43% to 50% of in-hospital deaths attributed to respiratory illness and 32% to 39% of pneumonia and flu hospitalizations. A study comparing flu vaccine and placebo found that 53% fewer vaccinated persons developed flu symptoms. A cost-effectiveness study at one health maintenance organization has found a net savings of $1.10 per vaccinated person.

Care and treatment, Aged, Elderly, Evaluation, Influenza vaccines

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Preparing for the next influenza pandemic: a reemerging infection

Article Abstract:

Worldwide epidemics of influenza may be prevented through widespread immunization. Influenza takes more lives every year than exotic viruses that receive more publicity. Collaboration among World Health Organization laboratories may have facilitated identification of influenza strains. Only one of two types of influenza, influenza A, may be responsible for causing worldwide epidemics. New strains of influenza may come from animals and infect humans who come in contact with them. Surveillance of animal groups around the world may identify the next strain of influenza in time for vaccine preparation. Influenza immunizations may be improved by shortening the time from production to distribution, developing a vaccine not dependent on eggs, and using both private physicians and public sources to administer vaccines.

Editorial, Analysis, Prevention, Influenza, Influenza research, Epidemics

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