February 11, 2018

CSACI position statement: prescribing sublingual immunotherapy tablets for aeroallergens

  • J. Quirt,
  • R. Gagnon,
  • A. K. Ellis and
  • H. L. Kim

  • Background: Allergic rhinitis is estimated to affect 20–25% of Canadians and has a significant impact on quality of life, with many patients reporting inadequate control of their symptoms [1]. Mainstays of treatment for allergic rhinitis include avoidance, intranasal steroids, oral antihistamines and leukotriene receptor antagonists [2]. Specific immunotherapy offers disease-modifying treatment for those uncontrolled by, intolerant to, or averse to pharmacotherapy [3]. 

    February 8, 2018

    Heterogeneous pattern of differences in respiratory parameters between elderly with either good or poor FEV1

    Open Access
    Open Peer Review
    • Stefan KarraschEmail author,
    • Jürgen Behr,
    • Rudolf M. Huber,
    • Dennis Nowak,
    • Annette Peters,
    • Stefan Peters,
    • Rolf Holle,
    • Rudolf A. Jörres,
    • Holger Schulz and
    • KORA Study Group
    BMC Pulmonary MedicineBMC series – open, inclusive and trusted201818:27
    Abstract
    Background: The relationship of spirometric values to other respiratory and functional parameters in advanced age is not well studied.

    January 31, 2018

    Optimal control of asthma improved eosinophilic otitis media

    Hypothesis & Experience  Open Access

           
    Asia Pac Allergy. 2018 Jan;8(1):e5. English.
    Published online Jan 24, 2018.  https://doi.org/10.5415/apallergy.2018.8.e5 
    Yukako Seo,1 Manabu Nonaka,1 Yukie Yamamura,1 Ruby Pawankar,2 and Etsuko Tagaya3
    1Department of Otolaryngology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan.
    2Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113-0022, Japan.
    3First Department of Medicine, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan.

    Correspondence to: Manabu Nonaka. Department of Otolaryngology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan. Tel: +81-3-3353-8111 (ext. 28531), Fax: +81-3-5269-7617, Email: nonaka-m@twmu.ac.jp 
    Abstract

    Background
    Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is often associated with comorbid asthma. The middle ear cavity is part of the upper airway. Therefore, EOM and asthma can be considered to be a crucial part of the “one airway, one disease” phenomenon. Based on the concept of one airway, one disease in the context of allergic rhinitis and asthma, optimal level of inhalation therapy for better asthma control leads to improvement in allergic rhinitis.

    January 26, 2018

    Role of airway epithelial barrier dysfunction in pathogenesis of asthma

    Abstract
    Bronchial asthma is characterized by persistent cough, increased sputum, and repeated wheezing. The pathophysiology underlying these symptoms is the hyper-responsiveness of the airway along with chronic airway inflammation. Repeated injury, repair, and regeneration of the airway epithelium following exposure to environmental factors and inflammation results in histological changes and functional abnormalities in the airway mucosal epithelium; such changes are believed to have a significant association with the pathophysiology of asthma. Damage to the barrier functions of the airway epithelium enhances mucosal permeability of foreign substances in the airway epithelium of patients with asthma. Thus, epithelial barrier fragility is closely involved in releasing epithelial cytokines (e.g., TSLP, IL-25, and IL-33) because of the activation of airway epithelial cells, dendritic cells, and innate group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2). Functional abnormalities of the airway epithelial cells along with the activation of dendritic cells, Th2 cells, and ILC2 form a single immunopathological unit that is considered to cause allergic airway inflammation. Here we use the latest published literature to discuss the potential pathological mechanisms regarding the onset and progressive severity of asthma with regard to the disruption of the airway epithelial function.

    January 24, 2018

    Profile of dupilumab and its potential in the treatment of inadequately controlled moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis

    Authors Awosika O, Kim L, Mazhar M, Rengifo-Pardo M, Ehrlich A
    Published 24 January 2018 Volume 2018:11 Pages 41—49
    Olabola Awosika,1 Lori Kim,2 Momina Mazhar,2 Monica Rengifo-Pardo,1,2 Alison Ehrlich1,2

    1Department of Dermatology, The George Washington Medical Faculty Associates, Washington, DC, USA; 2George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA

    Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder that manifests as eczematous lesions, often associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma.

    January 20, 2018

    Evaluation of Potential Continuation Rules for Mepolizumab Treatment of Severe Eosinophilic Asthma

    Background

    Mepolizumab significantly reduces exacerbations in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. The early identification of patients likely to receive long-term benefit from treatment could ensure effective resource allocation.

    Objective

    To assess potential continuation rules for mepolizumab in addition to initiation criteria defined as 2 or more exacerbations in the previous year and blood eosinophil counts of 150 cells/μL or more at initiation or 300 cells/μL or more in the previous year.