BMJ Open 2014;4:e006554 doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006554

• Paediatrics

A systematic review of associations between environmental exposures and development of asthma in children aged up to 9 years

1. S Dick1, 
2. A Friend2, 
3. K Dynes2, 
4. F AlKandari2, 
5. E Doust3, 
6. H Cowie3, 
7. J G Ayres1,4, 
8. S W Turner2

Abstract

Objectives Childhood asthma is a complex condition where many environmental factors are implicated in causation. The aim of this study was to complete a systematic review of the literature describing associations between environmental exposures and the development of asthma in young children.

Prolonged efficacy of the 300IR 5-grass pollen tablet up to 2 years after treatment cessation, as measured by a recommended daily combined score.

Research

Alain Didier^1*, Hans-Jørgen Malling², Margitta Worm³, Friedrich Horak⁴ and Gordon L Sussman⁵

Clinical and Translational Allergy 2015, 5:12  doi:10.1186/s13601-015-0057-8

Published: 22 May 2015

Abstract

Background

The 300IR (index of reactivity) 5-grass pollen tablet has favorable short-term and sustained clinical efficacy in patients with grass pollen-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC). Here, we report maintenance of efficacy and safety over 2 years following treatment discontinuation.

Use of a basophil activation test as a complementary diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of severe peanut allergy in adults

Research

Georgios Rentzos^14*, Vanja Lundberg², Christina Lundqvist², Rui Rodrigues³, Jenny van Odijk¹, Anna-Carin Lundell²,Teet Pullerits¹ and Esbjörn Telemo²

Clinical and Translational Allergy 2015, 5:22  doi:10.1186/s13601-015-0064-9

Published: 11 June 2015

Abstract

Background

Diagnosis of severe peanut allergy is difficult and delays in making an accurate diagnosis may place the patient at risk. Adults with a history of anaphylaxis must strictly avoid any contact with peanuts or products that may contain traces of peanuts.

Identification of risk factors of severe hypersensitivity reactions in general anaesthesia

Research

Corrado Mirone¹, Donatella Preziosi¹, Ambra Mascheri¹, Gianluigi Micarelli¹, Laura Farioli², Luca G Balossi¹, Joseph Scibilia¹, Jan Schroeder¹, Laura M Losappio¹, Maria G Aversano¹, Chrysi Stafylaraki¹, Michele Nichelatti³ and Elide A Pastorello^4*

Clinical and Molecular Allergy 2015, 13:11  doi:10.1186/s12948-015-0017-9

Published: 22 June 2015

Abstract

Background

Hypersensitivity reactions to anaesthetic agents are rare but often severe, with a mortality ranging from 4 to 9% in IgE-mediated events. Identification of the risk factors may contribute to limit the incidence of these reactions. The aim of our study was to search for possible risk factors of severe perioperative hypersensitivity reactions in our study population.

Choosing wisely: practical considerations on treatment efficacy and safety of asthma in the elderly

Review

Nicola Scichilone^1*†, Maria T Ventura^2†, Matteo Bonini³, Fulvio Braido⁴, Caterina Bucca⁵, Marco Caminati⁶, Stefano Del Giacco⁷, Enrico Heffler⁸, Carlo Lombardi⁹, Andrea Matucci¹⁰, Manlio Milanese¹¹, Roberto Paganelli¹², Giovanni Passalacqua⁴, Vincenzo Patella¹³, Erminia Ridolo¹⁴, Giovanni Rolla¹⁵, Oliviero Rossi¹⁶, Domenico Schiavino¹⁷,Gianenrico Senna⁶, Gundi Steinhilber¹⁸, Alessandra Vultaggio¹⁰ and Giorgio Canonica⁴

Clinical and Molecular Allergy 2015, 13:7  doi:10.1186/s12948-015-0016-x

Nicola Scichilone and Maria T Ventura contributed equally to this work.

Published: 22 June 2015

Abstract

The prevalence of asthma in the most advanced ages is similar to that of younger ages. However, the concept that older individuals may suffer from allergic asthma has been largely denied in the past, and a common belief attributes to asthma the definition of “rare” disease. Indeed, asthma in the elderly is often underdiagnosed or diagnosed as COPD, thus leading to undertreatment of improper treatment.

Control of asthma in real life: still a valuable goal?

1. 1. 1. 
         doi:10.1183/16000617.00001615Eur Respir Rev June 1, 2015 vol. 24 no. 136 361-369
2. Andriana I. Papaioannou1, 
3. Konstantinos Kostikas1, 
4. Eleftherios Zervas2,
5. Lykourgos Kolilekas2, 
6. Spiridon Papiris1 and 
7. Mina Gaga2⇑

+Author Affiliations

1. ¹2nd Respiratory Medicine Dept, University of Athens Medical School, Attikon Hospital, Athens, Greece
2. ²7th Respiratory Medicine Dept and Asthma Center, Athens Chest Hospital “Sotiria”, Athens, Greece

1. Mina Gaga, 7th Respiratory Dept and Asthma Center, Athens Chest Hospital “Sotiria”, Athens 11527, Greece. E-mail: minagaga@yahoo.com

Abstract

Although studies show that control of asthma can be achieved in the majority of patients, surveys repeatedly show that this is not the case in real life. Important measures to implement in order to achieve asthma control are trained healthcare professionals, a good patient–doctor relationship, patient education, avoidance of exposure to triggers, personalised management and adherence to treatment.

Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Novel Pharmacogenomic Loci For Therapeutic Response to Montelukast in Asthma

PLoS One. 2015 Jun 17;10(6):e0129385. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129385. eCollection 2015.

Dahlin A1, Litonjua A2, Lima JJ3, Tamari M4, Kubo M4, Irvin CG5, Peters SP6, Tantisira KG2

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) is a powerful tool to identify novel pharmacogenetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are a major class of asthma medications, and genetic factors contribute to variable responses to these drugs. We used GWAS to identify novel SNPs associated with the response to the LTRA, montelukast, in asthmatics.

Matching science and practice in the management of allergic disorders

EAACI Congress 2015
6 - 10 June 2015, Barcelona

Industry Sponsored Sessions
Webcasts

MONDAY, 8 JUNE 2015

Matching science and practice in the management of allergic disorders

Chairs: Victoria Cardona, Spain and Jean Bousquet, France

Back to the future: the IgE journey in asthma, chronic spontaneous urticaria and beyond

EAACI Congress 2015
6 - 10 June 2015, Barcelona

Industry Sponsored Sessions
Webcasts

NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS

SUNDAY, 7 JUNE 2015

Back to the future: the IgE journey in asthma, chronic spontaneous urticaria and beyond

Chairs: Stephen Holgate, UK and Ana Giménez-Arnau, Spain

Health and climate change: policy responses to protect public health

Executive summary

The 2015 Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change has been formed to map out the impacts of climate change, and the necessary policy responses, in order to ensure the highest attainable standards of health for populations worldwide. This Commission is multidisciplinary and international in nature, with strong collaboration between academic centres in Europe and China. The central finding from the Commission’s work is that tackling climate change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century. The key messages from the Commission are summarised below, accompanied by ten underlying recommendations to accelerate action in the next 5 years.

Published online June 23, 2015 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60854-63  Full text pdf