Mary Anne Castor

Verified @up.edu.ph

Associate Professor Division of Allergy and Immunology Department of Pediatrics College of Medicine-Philippine General Hospital
University of the Philippines Manila

Mary Anne Castor


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https://researchid.co/mrcastor

EDUCATION

Doctor of Medicine: University of the Philippines College of Medicine

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Medicine, Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health, Immunology, Epidemiology
23

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Real-world patient’s practices in the management of allergic rhinitis in the Philippine setting
    Ma. Lourdes B. Enecilla, Marysia Stella T. Recto, Cecilia Gretchen Navarro-Locsin, Joel A. Romualdez, Mary Anne R. Castor, et al.
    Asia Pacific Allergy, 2026
    Background: Allergic rhinitis is a prevalent disease and there is a need for local real-world data to create relevant guidelines and care pathways in its management. Objective: The aim was to investigate the health-seeking behavior and practices of Filipinos in managing allergic rhinitis symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional stratified online survey was conducted among Filipinos with allergic rhinitis symptoms. Stratified sampling, based on age group and region of residence in the Philippines, with proportional allocation, was used to select the respondents of this study. Results: A total of 317 respondents (213 adults and 104 pediatric) were included in the analysis. The majority (61.83%) had moderate-severe intermittent allergic rhinitis. Eighteen percent (18%) had no prior consult with a physician, while 37% had self-medicated. Sixty-three percent of participants preferred taking prescribed oral medications and 48.6% preferred a prescribed nasal spray. The most common drug classes used for allergic rhinitis were oral antihistamines (68.14%) and steroid nasal spray (34.07%). Only 45.42% admitted to being fully adherent with their prescribed medications. The most frequently cited factors that would improve compliance were cost (47.32%), few side effects (47.32%), and rapid onset of effect (40.38%). Only 21.14% of respondents had undergone allergen skin testing and 6.62% had undergone immunotherapy. Conclusions: Many Filipinos who suffer from allergic rhinitis symptoms have not been seen by a physician or, even after consultation, are not adherent to prescribed medications. There is a need for increased public awareness regarding allergic rhinitis and more effective communication between patients and the healthcare provider to improve outcomes.
  • The International Guideline for the Definition, Classification, Diagnosis and Management of Urticaria
    T. Zuberbier, Z. Abdul Hameed Ansari, A. H. Abdul Latiff, M. M. Abuzakouk, M. S. Agcaoili‐De Jesus, et al.
    Allergy European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2026
    This update and revision of the international guideline for urticaria was developed in accordance with the methods recommended by Cochrane and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group. It is an initiative of the Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network (GA 2 LEN) and its Urticaria and Angioedema Centers of Reference and Excellence (UCAREs and ACAREs), with the participation of 210 delegates from 107 national and international societies, from 59 countries. The consensus conference was held on December 6th, 2024. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). Urticaria is a frequent, mast cell‐driven disease, defined by a rapid appearance of wheals, angioedema, or both. The lifetime prevalence of acute urticaria is estimated to be approximately 20%. Chronic urticaria, categorized as either chronic spontaneous urticaria or chronic inducible urticaria, is disabling, impairs quality of life, and affects performance at work and school, however, novel therapies are available. This updated version of the international guideline for urticaria covers the definition and classification of urticaria and outlines expert‐guided and evidence‐based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the different subtypes of urticaria.
  • Cross-reactive IgE-binding Proteins from Philippine Allergenic Weeds and Trees Pollen Extracts
    Acta Medica Philippina, 2025
  • Key Predictors of Adherence to a Mobile Health App for Managing Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
    Hugo Viegas, Bernardo Sousa‐Pinto, Rafael José Vieira, Aiste Ramanauskaite, Ellen Witte‐Händel, et al.
    Clinical and Translational Allergy, 2025
    Background Mobile health technologies may improve the management of chronic diseases, such as chronic spontaneous urticaria. However, effectiveness of mHealth tools largely depends on patient adherence, which can be influenced by various demographic, clinical, behavioural, psychosocial factors, and apps characteristics (appealing and simplicity of use). Understanding these adherence patterns is crucial for optimizing mHealth interventions. In this study, we aimed to assess adherence patterns associated to the use of CRUSE, a mHealth app designed for patients with CSU. Methods We assessed users of the CRUSE app with self‐reported CSU or suggested by a physician. For each user, we evaluated the number of days they completed the CRUSE daily monitoring questionnaire (app adherence) within the first 3 months after installation. We constructed univariable and multivariable ordered beta regression models to identify predictors of 3‐month adherence to the app. Results We analysed data from 2085 patients (66,114 days). Median adherence to the CRUSE app was of 22 days (24.4% of 90 days). In multivariable regression models, the variables more strongly associated with increased adherence to CRUSE included age (average increase = 0.16 percent points [pp] per additional year; 95% credible interval [CrI] = 0.08; 0.23 pp), male sex (average difference = 4.24 pp; 95% CrI = 1.77; 6.39 pp), being from a European country (average difference = 2.66 pp; 95% CrI = 0.59; 5.19 pp), and using monoclonal antibodies (average difference = 4.60 pp; 95% CrI = 2.26; 6.65 pp). Conclusions Our findings suggest that age, male sex, residence in Europe, and the use of monoclonal antibodies are significant factors associated with increased adherence to the CRUSE app. These insights may help identify patient subgroups who would benefit most from mHealth support in managing CSU.
  • Public health response to immunodeficiency-related vaccine-derived poliovirus during a poliovirus outbreak in the Philippines: a case report
    Krizia Joy A. Co, Paul Sherwin O. Tarnate, Mary Anne R. Castor, Anna Lisa T. Ong-Lim
    IJID Regions, 2025
  • Philippine guidelines on the dietary primary prevention of allergic diseases in children
    Roxanne J. Casis Hao, Maria Lourdes G. Genuino, Carol Stephanie C. Tan-Lim, Regina D. Capulong, Mary Anne R. Castor, et al.
    Asia Pacific Allergy, 2024
    Background: In response to the continual increase in the prevalence of pediatric allergic diseases in the Philippines, the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (PSAAI) and the Philippine Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (PSPGHAN) have published guidelines on the dietary prevention of allergic diseases in children. Objective: This guideline aims to update the previous guideline recommendations for clinicians on the use of dietary interventions for the prevention of allergic disease in children. Methods: Following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach specified in the Department of Health Manual for Clinical Practice Guidelines development, we systematically searched for and appraised clinical practice guidelines and systematic reviews on topics formulated and prioritized by a Steering Committee, which comprised of members of the PSAAI and PSPGHAN. In the absence of an existing systematic review, a de novo systematic review was conducted. A multisectoral consensus panel reviewed the evidence summaries and formulated recommendations through a formal consensus method. Results and conclusion: The recommendations made by the consensus panel were based on the available evidence on the benefits and harm of the intervention, as well as the cost, feasibility, acceptability, and availability. Several research gaps exist, resulting in low levels of certainty of evidence on most dietary recommendations for the prevention of pediatric allergic diseases.
  • Identification of cross-reactive IgE-binding proteins from Philippine allergenic grass pollen extracts
    Mary Anne R. Castor, Maria Katrina Diana M. Cruz, Gregg Austine M. Balanag, Krystal M. Hate, Roche Dana C. Reyes, et al.
    Asia Pacific Allergy, 2024
    Background: Respiratory allergies are one of the most common allergic diseases that affect Filipinos. Grass pollen accounts for the majority of the outdoor allergens triggering these respiratory allergies. Cross-reactivity among the Philippine grass pollen grains has not been extensively studied. Objective: This study aims to investigate the cross-reactivity of our local grasses and identify the cross-reactive allergens. Methods: Grass pollen grains were collected and processed into crude allergenic extracts. The IgE-reactivity of these crude allergenic pollen extracts was studied using sera from patients who tested positive for the mentioned extracts. The proteins from the immunoblots of cross-reactive pollen allergen extracts were sequenced and identified. Results. Allergenic pollen proteins were identified as cross-reactive among the grass pollen extracts. Four of these have not been listed yet as grass allergens in the World Health Organization/International Union of Immunological Societies allergen nomenclature database. Conclusion: Local grass pollen allergens are cross-reactive with probable new allergens identified.
  • Core Outcome Set for IgE-mediated food allergy clinical trials and observational studies of interventions: International Delphi consensus study ‘COMFA’
    Anastasia Demidova, Karl Philipp Drewitz, Parisut Kimkool, Nikolina Banjanin, Vladyslava Barzylovich, et al.
    Allergy European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2024
    BackgroundIgE‐mediated food allergy (FA) is a global health concern with substantial individual and societal implications. While diverse intervention strategies have been researched, inconsistencies in reported outcomes limit evaluations of FA treatments. To streamline evaluations and promote consistent reporting, the Core Outcome Measures for Food Allergy (COMFA) initiative aimed to establish a Core Outcome Set (COS) for FA clinical trials and observational studies of interventions.MethodsThe project involved a review of published clinical trials, trial protocols and qualitative literature. Outcomes found as a result of review were categorized and classified, informing a two‐round online‐modified Delphi process followed by hybrid consensus meeting to finalize the COS.ResultsThe literature review, taxonomy mapping and iterative discussions with diverse COMFA group yielded an initial list of 39 outcomes. The iterative online and in‐person meetings reduced the list to 13 outcomes for voting in the formal Delphi process. One more outcome was added based on participant suggestions after the first Delphi round. A total of 778 participants from 52 countries participated, with 442 participating in both Delphi rounds. No outcome met a priori criteria for inclusion, and one was excluded as a result of the Delphi. Thirteen outcomes were brought to the hybrid consensus meeting as a result of Delphi and two outcomes, ‘allergic symptoms’ and ‘quality of life’ achieved consensus for inclusion as ‘core’ outcomes.ConclusionIn addition to the mandatory reporting of adverse events for FA clinical trials or observational studies of interventions, allergic symptoms and quality of life should be measured as core outcomes. Future work by COMFA will define how best to measure these core outcomes.
  • Skin Prick Tests and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays among Allergic Patients Using Allergenic Local Pollen Extracts
    Maria Katrina Diana M. Cruz, RCh, MSc, Mary Anne R. Castor, MD, et al.
    Acta Medica Philippina, 2024
    Background. Allergic respiratory diseases are prevalent in the Philippines, with allergic rhinitis and asthma occurring at 20% and 8.7% of the population, respectively. The diagnosis of respiratory allergies is achieved by a combination of patient history and different screening tools, especially for the identificati on of the allergic triggers such as allergy skin prick test (SPT) and serum-specific IgE enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (sIgE ELISA). The Philippines, being a tropical country, have a wide variety of plant species with potential to produce allergenic pollen grains. Knowledge of the sensitization profiles of Filipino allergic patients to our local pollen allergens is currently limited.Objectives. The aim of this study is to determine the sensitization profile of patients with respiratory allergies (allergic rhinitis and/or asthma) through the allergy skin prick test (SPT) using allergenic local pollen extracts. It also aimed to determine if there is a positive agreement between the SPT and sIgE ELISA positivity rate and whether the results have relationship with the pollen purity and the protein content of the extracts.Methods. Pollen allergens were extracted from Amaranthus spinosus (pigweed), Mimosa pudica (makahiya), Tridax procumbens (wild daisy), Imperata cylindrica (cogon), Oryza sativa (rice), Pennisetum polystachion (foxtail grass), Sorghum halepense (Johnson grass), Albizia saman (acacia), Cocos nucifera (coconut), Leucaena leucocephala (ipil-ipil), and Mangifera indica (mango). SPT was performed at the Allergy Clinic of the University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital on patients with allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma. Blood samples were collected from patients who developed wheal diameters of 3 mm or more than the negative control. Sera were tested against the same pollen extracts using ELISA.Results. Of the one hundred sixty-five (165) patients who submitted for skin prick test, 129 showed positive SPT results to the pollen extracts. Weeds were the most sensitizing (51.9%-58.1%). Blood samples were collected from these patients and tested for sIgE ELISA and among them, 71 were positive in the sIgE ELISA. Highest sensitization rates in sIgE ELISA were found in coconut, pigweed, Johnson grass, and rice. The highest positive agreements or the proportion of patients with positive sIgE ELISA among those with positive SPT were in coconut, followed by Johnson grass, pigweed, and rice. Most of the pollen sensitized patients on SPT are polysensitized.Conclusion. SPT is a safe, simple, and rapid method for the diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergy. The lower number of positive patients in sIgE ELISA may be attributed to the low serum IgE levels and low quantities of effectual allergen components in extracts. Results of both SPT and ELISA must be correlated with a patient's clinical history, particularly the patient’s exposures, and physical examination.
  • Characterization of Pollen Grain and Pollen Extract from Common Allergenic Plants in the Philippines
    Philippine Journal of Science, 2023
  • Safety of BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescent Patients of UP-PGH
    Acta Medica Philippina, 2023
  • Transition practice for primary immunodeficiency diseases in Southeast Asia: a regional survey
    Chee Mun Chan, Amir Hamzah Abdul Latiff, Lokman Mohd Noh, Intan Hakimah Ismail, Intan Juliana Abd Hamid, et al.
    Frontiers in Immunology, 2023
  • Validation of the Filipino Version of the Written Asthma Action Plan for 5- to 18-year-old Patients
    Katrina Faith A. San Gabriel, Roxanne Casis Hao, Mary Anne R. Castor, Marysia Stella T. Recto, Madeleine W. Sumpaico
    Acta Medica Philippina, 2022
  • The Direct Cost of Autism and its Economic Impact on the Filipino Family
    Maria Isabel O. Quilendrino, Mary Anne R. Castor, Nenacia Ranali Nirena P. Mendoza, Jacqueline R. Vea, Niña T. Castillo-Carandang
    Acta Medica Philippina, 2022
  • Comparative effectiveness of probiotic strains on the prevention of pediatric atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
    Carol Stephanie C. Tan‐Lim, Natasha Ann R. Esteban‐Ipac, Marysia Stella T. Recto, Mary Anne R. Castor, Roxanne J. Casis‐Hao, et al.
    Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2021
  • Eosinophilic gastroenteritis in an adolescent male with history of chronic bullous disease
    Carol Stephanie C Tan-Lim, Juan Miguel L Murillo, Marysia Stella T Recto, Mary Anne R Castor
    BMJ Case Reports, 2021
  • Primary immunodeficiency from B-cell defect: A case series of 6 patients seen in a national tertiary hospital in the Philippines
    Carol Stephanie C. Tan-Lim, Mary Anne R. Castor
    Asia Pacific Allergy, 2021
  • Predictors of serious outcomes among patients with anaphylaxis seen in the Philippine national tertiary hospital
    Carol Stephanie C. Tan-Lim, Mary Anne R. Castor, Marysia Stella T. Recto, Roxanne J. Casis-Hao, Aimee Lou M. Nano
    Asia Pacific Allergy, 2021
  • Partial characterization of Bermuda, Carabao, Cogon and Talahib grass pollen extracts
    Mary Anne R. Castor, Madeleine W. Sumpaico, Ronald R. Matias, Leonora A. Geniston
    Acta Medica Philippina, 2016
  • Joint practice parameters on the management of allergic rhinitis
    Acta Medica Philippina, 2016
  • Joint practice parameters on the management of allergic rhinitis
    Site Administrator, Ruzanne M. Caro, Marysia T. Recto, Josefino G. Hernandez, Madeleine W. Sumpaico, et al.
    Acta Medica Philippina, 2016
  • Parents' perceptions of autism and their health-seeking behaviors
    Maria Isabel O. Quilendrino, Mary Anne R. Castor, Nenacia Ranali Nirena P. Mendoza, Jacqueline R. Vea, Nina T. Castillo-Carandang
    Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 2015
  • Prevalence of asthma among filipino adults based on the national nutrition and health survey (NNHeS)
    Phillippine Journal of Internal Medicine, 2014