Latest developments in allergy
and immunology highlighted at AAAI annual meeting

By Dr. Imtiaz Siddiqui

PHILADELPHIA: The latest developments in allergy and immunology figured prominently during one of the largest international gatherings of allergy specialists at the 2008 American Academy of Allergy and Immunology (AAAI) annual meeting held here from March 14-18.  It attracted more than 7,700 delegates. It provided the participants a wealth of opportunities to gain valuable scientific and practical insights, and to network with their colleagues.

Dr. Imtiaz Ather Siddiqui photographed with Prof. David Kennedy during FESS workshop held during Annual meeting of American Academy of Allergy & Immunology at Philadelphia Pennysalvania USA recently

Established in 1943, the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, Rhinologist’s, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in research and treatment of allergic disease. It has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. Philadelphia, the first USA capital, and birthplace of USA democracy was the venue city.  The meeting was held at an elegant piece of colonial architect converted from Pennsylvania railway station to convention Centre.

Scientific programme consisted of more than one thousand scientific papers, abstracsts presented over the five-day meeting. Topics, ranging from research into causes of allergies and asthma to new treatment options, gave insight into improving diagnosis and patient care.

Esinophilic Esophagitis (EE) was one of the most discussed topic during the conference. EE has emerged as a new disease related to Allergy in last couple of years. It affects usually young adults and children. These patients have a common picture of presentation like Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) i.e. post meal regurgitation, burning, nausea, vomiting, pain in epigastrium. EE in advanced stages also leads to difficulty in swallowing and even total dysphagia at lower end of Esophagus. The Effectee has a food allergy usually to fast food. Biopsy from lower end of esophagus reveals abundance of Esinophils (Allergy marker). Treatment is opposite to GERD i.e. steroids are the choice of treatment.

Thousands of medical specialists and scientists gathered at a forum to discuss new research on asthma and allergies - afflictions that combined affect more than 70 million Americans and multiple of millions across the planet earth.  Lord Robert Winston, a world leader in stem cell research, discussed ethical issues surrounding the emerging science. Lack of public education is the biggest obstacle to acceptance of genetic research, Winston, emeritus professor of fertility studies at Imperial College in London, told AAAI delegates during his address on Saturday, March 15.

Nearly 60 members of the media attended the meeting to cover abstract sessions, keynote addresses and three press conferences. They represented a range of media outlets from local to international. An increasing number of online journalists also joined the traditional print and broadcast media.

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