The prevalence of sensitization to dogs and cats varies by country, exposure time and predisposition to atopy. It is estimated that 26% of European adults coming to the clinic for suspected allergy to inhalant allergens are sensitized to cats and 27% to dogs. This document is intended to be a useful tool for clinicians involved in the management of people with dog or cat allergy. It was prepared from a consensus process based on the RAND/UCLA method. Following a literature review, it proposes various recommendations concerning the diagnosis and treatment of these patients, grounded in evidence and clinical experience. The diagnosis of dog and cat allergy is based on a medical history and physical examination that are consistent with each other and is confirmed with positive results on specific IgE skin tests. Sometimes, especially in polysensitized patients, molecular diagnosis is strongly recommended. Although the most advisable measure would be to avoid the animal, this is often impossible and associated with a major emotional impact. Furthermore, indirect exposure to allergens occurs in environments in which animals are not present. Immunotherapy is emerging as a potential solution to this problem, although further supporting studies are needed.

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Objectives To assess clinical failure and symptom recurrence after uterine artery embolisation (UAE) and to define predictive factors. Design Prospective study of a case series.Setting Gynaecology and radiology departments of a French University Hospital.Population Eighty-five women who underwent embolisation for the treatment of uterine fibroids.Method Vascular access was obtained via the right common femoral artery. Free-flow embolisation was performed using 150 -250 Am polyvinyl alcohol particles and an absorbable particle sponge. Main outcome measures Clinical failure was defined as persistence of symptoms at three months of follow up and recurrence as return of symptoms. number were predictive factors for recurrence. As most recurrences occurred after two years, we recommend that patients be monitored clinically and that imaging be for more than two years after UAE.