June 30, 2017

Asthma pressurised metered dose inhaler performance: propellant effect studies in delivery systems

 
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Abstract
Background
Current pressurised metered dose asthma inhaler (pMDI) propellants are not inert pharmacologically as were previous chlorofluorocarbons, have smooth muscle relaxant‚ partial pressure effects in the lungs and inhaled hydrofluoroalkane 134a (norflurane) has anaesthetic effects. Volumes of propellant gas per actuation have never been measured.

June 19, 2017

Trust and Credibility in Web-Based Health Information: A Review and Agenda for Future Research

Journal of Medical Internet Research
Original Paper

  • Laura Sbaffi1*, MA, PhD 
  • Jennifer Rowley2*, MSc, PhD 
  • ABSTRACT
    Background: Internet sources are becoming increasingly important in seeking health information, such that they may have a significant effect on health care decisions and outcomes. Hence, given the wide range of different sources of Web-based health information (WHI) from different organizations and individuals, it is important to understand how information seekers evaluate and select the sources that they use, and more specifically, how they assess their credibility and trustworthiness.

    June 14, 2017

    Angioedema suppressed by a combination of anti-histamine and leukotriene modifier

     
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    Rationale
    Angioedema without co-existent urticaria is due to a limited number of causes, including hereditary and acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency, drug-induced angioedema or idiopathic histaminergic or non-histaminergic angioedema. We describe a cohort of patients with recurrent angioedema whose clinical features and response to medications are distinct from the causes above.

    June 12, 2017

    Computational analysis of multimorbidity between asthma, eczema and rhinitis

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    RESEARCH ARTICLE

    Daniel Aguilar ,Mariona Pinart,Gerard H. Koppelman,Yvan Saeys,Martijn C. Nawijn,Dirkje S. Postma,Mübeccel Akdis,Charles Auffray,Stéphane Ballereau,Marta Benet,Judith García-Aymerich,Juan Ramón González,Stefano Guerra, Josep M. Antó

    Abstract

    Background
    The mechanisms explaining the co-existence of asthma, eczema and rhinitis (allergic multimorbidity) are largely unknown. We investigated the mechanisms underlying multimorbidity between three main allergic diseases at a molecular level by identifying the proteins and cellular processes that are common to them.

    Comparison of the Performance of Skin Prick, ImmunoCAP, and ISAC Tests in the Diagnosis of Patients with Allergy

    Molecules and Cells in Allergy - Original Paper

    Editor's Choice -- Free Access

    Griffiths R.L.M. · El-Shanawany T. · Jolles S.R.A. · Selwood C. · Heaps A.G. · Carne E.M. · Williams P.E. 

    Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2017;172:215-223

    Background: Allergy is diagnosed from typical symptoms, and tests are performed to incriminate the suspected precipitant. Skin prick tests (SPTs) are commonly performed, inexpensive, and give immediate results. Laboratory tests (ImmunoCAP) for serum allergen-specific IgE antibodies are usually performed more selectively.

    June 2, 2017

    Thyroid Autoimmunity: Role of Anti-thyroid Antibodies in Thyroid and Extra-Thyroidal Diseases

    Eleonore Fröhlich1,2 and Richard Wahl1*
    1Internal Medicine (Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Angiology, Nephrology and Clinical Chemistry), University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany 2Center for Medical Research, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria

    Autoimmune diseases have a high prevalence in the population, and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is one of the most common representatives. Thyroid autoantibodies are not only frequently detected in patients with AITD but also in subjects without manifest thyroid dysfunction. The high prevalence raises questions regarding a potential role in extra-thyroidal diseases. This review summarizes the etiology and mechanism of AITD and addresses prevalence of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), and anti-thyroglobulin and their action outside the thyroid.

    June 1, 2017

    Quality indicators for the acute and long-term management of anaphylaxis: a systematic review

    Clinical and Translational Allergy
    • Sangeeta DhamiView ORCID ID profile,
    • Aadam Sheikh,
    • Antonella Muraro,
    • Graham Roberts,
    • Susanne Halken,
    • Monserat Fernandez Rivas,
    • Margitta Worm and
    • Aziz SheikhEmail author

    Abstract
    Background
    The quality of acute and long-term anaphylaxis management is variable and this contributes to the poor outcomes experienced by many patients. Clinical practice guidelines have the potential to improve outcomes, but implementing guideline recommendations in routine practice is challenging. Quality indicators have the potential to support guideline implementation efforts.

    May 22, 2017

    Multicentre, non-interventional study to assess the profile of patients with uncontrolled rhinitis prescribed a novel formulation of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate in a single spray in routine clinical practice in the UK

    Respiratory medicine
    Research

    Glenis Scadding, David Price, Tariq El-Shanawany, Shahzada Ahmed, Jaydip Ray, Ravishankar Sargur, Nirmal Kumar

    Abstract
    Objective The aims of this study were (1) to characterise the type of patient prescribed MP-AzeFlu (Dymista, a novel formulation of azelastine hydrochloride, fluticasone propionate and excipients in a single spray) in real life in the UK and physicians' reasons for prescribing it and (2) to quantify the personal and societal burden of allergic rhinitis (AR) in the UK prior to MP-AzeFlu prescription.

    May 20, 2017

    IgE-mediated food allergies in children: prevalence, triggers, and management

    REVIEW ARTICLE
    Korean J Pediatr 2017 April;60(4) :99-105.
    Published online 2017 April 15.  
    Sooyoung Lee
    Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
    Corresponding Author: Sooyoung Lee ,Tel: +82-31-219-5160, Fax: +82-31-219-5169, Email: jsjs87@ajou.ac.kr
    ABSTRACT
    Food allergy (FA) is a serious health problem, and severe FA such as food-induced anaphylaxis can often be life threatening. The incidence of FA has been increasing especially in children. They usually develop early in life and affect up to 10% of children. The 2 most common food allergens worldwide are milk and eggs, while the third one varies depending on the countries: peanuts in the United States and Switzerland, wheat in Germany and Japan, tree nuts in Spain, sesame in Israel, and walnuts in Korea.

    Spotlight on dupilumab in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: design, development, and potential place in therapy

    Drug Design, Development and Therapy. Volume 11

    Angelo Massimiliano D’Erme,1,2 Marco Romanelli,2 Andrea Chiricozzi2

    1Dermatology Unit, Livorno Hospital, Livorno, 2Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy


    Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is among the most common inflammatory skin diseases in children and adults in industrialized countries. Up to one-third of adults (probably a smaller proportion in childhood) suffer from moderate-to-severe AD, whose recommended treatment is usually based on systemic therapies. The currently available therapeutics are limited, and AD management becomes challenging in most cases.

    Searching online for health-related information by people suffering from respiratory allergy and asthma: the results of a survey study

    Anna Kłak, Filip Raciborski, Bolesław Samoliński

    Abstract

    INTRODUCTION:
    The objective of the study was to compare online behaviour in groups of persons suffering from respiratory allergy and/or asthma and in the reference group.

    May 19, 2017

    Association of Oral Antireflux Medication With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Nasal Resistance

    Question  Is laryngopharyngeal reflux associated with nasal resistance, and does pharmacologic therapy improve subjective and objective nasal findings?
    Findings  This case-control study of 100 adults (50 with laryngopharyngeal reflux, 50 controls) found that oral antireflux medication was associated with significant decreases in all parameters of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation and Total Nasal Resistance values.

    eHealth in the future of medications management: personalisation, monitoring and adherence

     
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    Abstract
    Background
    Globally, healthcare systems face major challenges with medicines management and medication adherence. Medication adherence determines medication effectiveness and can be the single most effective intervention for improving health outcomes.

    May 15, 2017

    Sensitization to Aspergillus species is associated with frequent exacerbations in severe asthma


    1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, 2Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 3Allergy Centre, Singapore General Hospital, 4Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 5Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

    *These authors contributed equally to this work


    Background: Severe asthma is a largely heterogeneous disease with varying phenotypic profiles. The relationship between specific allergen sensitization and asthma severity, particularly in Asia, remains unclear. We aim to study the prevalence of specific allergen sensitization patterns and investigate their association with outcomes in a severe asthma cohort in an Asian setting.

    May 9, 2017

    Seasonal influenza vaccination in patients with COPD: a systematic literature review

     
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    • Rafik Bekkat-BerkaniEmail author,
    • Tom Wilkinson,
    • Philippe Buchy,
    • Gael Dos Santos,
    • Dimitris Stefanidis,
    • Jeanne-Marie Devaster and
    • Nadia Meyer
    Abstract
    Background
    Influenza is a frequent cause of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exacerbations are associated with worsening of the airflow obstruction, hospitalisation, reduced quality of life, disease progression, death, and ultimately, substantial healthcare-related costs. Despite longstanding recommendations to vaccinate vulnerable high-risk groups against seasonal influenza, including patients with COPD, vaccination rates remain sub-optimal in this population.