November 26, 2019

The International/Canadian Hereditary Angioedema Guideline

  • Review
  • Open Access

  • […]
  • Abstract
    This is an update to the 2014 Canadian Hereditary Angioedema Guideline with an expanded scope to include the management of hereditary angioedema (HAE) patients worldwide. It is a collaboration of Canadian and international HAE experts and patient groups led by the Canadian Hereditary Angioedema Network. The objective of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations, using the GRADE system, for the management of patients with HAE.

    November 22, 2019

    Agreement between self-reported asthma symptoms and exhaled nitric oxide levels: impact on inhaled corticosteroid prescribing in general practice. An observational study

    • Research
    • Open Access

    Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology

    Abstract
    Background
    A box-plot of FeNO levels. The median is shown with 25–75th percentile.
    An outlier of 279 is included in the analysis but not shown
    The National Review of Asthma Deaths UK highlighted that 46% of deaths could be avoided and recommended that all sufferers receive a structured asthma annual review which assess asthma control. In primary care this is commonly achieved using symptom-based questionnaires such as the Asthma Control Test (ACT). A newer method of assessing asthma control is Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing, which is currently recommended for the diagnosis of asthma, but not for monitoring of asthma control.

    November 16, 2019

    Immunostimulants in respiratory diseases: focus on Pidotimod

    Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine

    Abstract
    Immunological activities of Pidotimod
    Usefulness of Pidotimod and its role as immunostimulant, has been discussed, we know, for several decades. Nevertheless, there is still much to know. Understanding its mechanisms and its potential usefulness in airway infections and its prevention, asthma both Th2 and non Th2 type, bronchiectasis, as adjuvant in vaccination and in allergen immunotherapy still remains to clearly unveil. The aim of this paper was to provide a useful updated review of the role of the main available immunostimulants, giving particular focus on Pidotimod use and its potentials utility in respiratory diseases.

    November 14, 2019

    Adherence to adrenaline autoinjector prescriptions in patients with anaphylaxis

    • Research Letter
    • Open Access

    Clinical and Translational Allergy

    Percentage of retrieved adrenaline autoinjectors
    in relation to age
    Abstract
    This study evaluates adherence to adrenaline autoinjector prescriptions in a cohort of well-characterized anaphylaxis patients. The overall retrieval rate was 76% with the highest rate in patients with severe anaphylaxis. Special attention is needed in patients with unknown elicitors and in young adults, comprising the largest proportion of non-adherent patients.
    Trial registration No intervention performed. Retrospective data used with permission from the Danish Data Protection Agency and Regional Committees on Health Research Ethics.

    November 13, 2019

    Review of the Manitoba cohort of patients with hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor

    Abstract
    Background
    Hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (HAE-nC1 INH) is a rare, underappreciated condition characterized by recurrent subcutaneous angioedema. The underlying pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria continues to evolve. There is a significant overlap between HAE-nC1 INH and idiopathic nonhistaminergic angioedema, ultimately this may be found to be the same condition. Characterization of cohorts suspected to have either of these conditions is warranted to help refine diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment response.
    Methods
    Review of the Manitoba cohort of patients
    with HAE-nC1 INH: inclusion criteria
    A retrospective chart review of 418 patients diagnosed with angioedema was conducted.

    November 10, 2019

    The safety and tolerability profile of bilastine for chronic urticaria in children

    Abstract
    Background

    Urticaria is a condition defined by the development of wheals, angioedema or both. It is classified based on its duration as acute (≤ 6 weeks) or chronic (> 6 weeks). Chronic urticaria is less frequent than acute one in children, but it represents a debilitating condition, always needing treatment. Symptoms affect child’s daily activities and disturb sleeping patterns, causing emotional distress and negatively influencing learning and cognition.

    November 7, 2019

    Eliciting dose is associated with tolerance development in peanut and cow’s milk allergic children

    • Letter to the Editor
    • Open Access
    Abstract
    Background
    Kaplan-Meier survival curve in peanut, cow’s milk and hen’s egg allergic children
    Tolerance development rates differ between food allergies. Almost all previous studies have not used the gold standard method, the double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC), which may affect the reported prevalence rates. Little is known about the association of the eliciting dose (ED) obtained during the initial DBPCFC with later tolerance development.

    October 31, 2019

    Helsinki by nature: The Nature Step to Respiratory Health

    • Review
    • Open Access
    Abstract
    Background
    Several non-communicable diseases have been suggested
    to share the same underlying risk factors such as microbial imbalance,
     long-term immune dysfunction and low-grade inflammation
    The Nature Step to Respiratory Health was the overarching theme of the 12th General Meeting of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Helsinki, August 2018. New approaches are needed to improve respiratory health and reduce premature mortality of chronic diseases by 30% till 2030 (UN Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). Planetary health is defined as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends. Planetary health and human health are interconnected, and both need to be considered by individuals and governments while addressing several SDGs.