Health Economic Analysis of Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) for the Management of Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, Food Allergy and Venom Allergy: A Systematic Overview

• Miqdad Asaria, 
• Sangeeta Dhami, 
• Ronald van Ree, 
• Roy Gerth van Wijk, 
• Antonella Muraro, 
• Graham Roberts, 
• Aziz Sheikh

• Allergy
• (2017)

Abstract

Background

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is developing guidelines for allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for the management of allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, IgE-mediated food allergy and venom allergy. To inform the development of clinical recommendations, we undertook systematic reviews to critically assess evidence on the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of AIT for these conditions. This paper focusses on synthesizing data and gaps in the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of AIT for these conditions.

Patient preferences for dry powder inhaler attributes in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in France: a discrete choice experiment

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

RESEARCH ARTICLE

 

OPEN ACCESS

 

OPEN PEER REVIEW

• Natalia HawkenEmail author,
• Saku Torvinen,
• Mohamed-Elmoctar Neine,
• Ikbel Amri,
• Mondher Toumi,
• Samuel Aballéa,
• Adam Plich and
• Nicolas Roche

BMC Pulmonary MedicineBMC series – open, inclusive and trusted201717:99

DOI: 10.1186/s12890-017-0439-x

Abstract

Background

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are often used in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) therapies. Using the discrete choice experiment (DCE) methodology, this study conducted in France was designed to assess patients’ preferences for different attributes of DPIs.

Zinc Acetate Lozenges May Improve the Recovery Rate of Common Cold Patients: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Harri Hemilä

 

James T. Fitzgerald

 

Edward J. Petrus

 

Ananda Prasad

Open Forum Infect Dis (2017) 4 (2): ofx059.

 

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofx059

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Abstract

Background.

A previous meta-analysis of 3 zinc acetate lozenge trials estimated that colds were on average 40% shorter for the zinc groups. However, the duration of colds is a time outcome, and survival analysis may be a more informative approach. The objective of this individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis was to estimate the effect of zinc acetate lozenges on the rate of recovery from colds.

Breakthrough attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema receiving long-term prophylaxis are responsive to icatibant: findings from the Icatibant Outcome Survey

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology

RESEARCH

 

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• Werner AbererEmail author,
• Marcus Maurer,
• Laurence Bouillet,
• Andrea Zanichelli,
• Teresa Caballero,
• Hilary J. Longhurst,
• Amandine Perrin,
• Irmgard Andresen and
• for the IOS Study Group

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology201713:31

DOI: 10.1186/s13223-017-0203-z

Abstract

Background

Patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) experience recurrent attacks of cutaneous or submucosal edema that may be frequent and severe; prophylactic treatments can be prescribed to prevent attacks. However, despite the use of long-term prophylaxis (LTP), breakthrough attacks are known to occur. We used data from the Icatibant Outcome Survey (IOS) to evaluate the characteristics of breakthrough attacks and the effectiveness of icatibant as a treatment option.

Azithromycin for idiopathic acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a retrospective single-center study

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

RESEARCH ARTICLE

 

OPEN ACCESS

 

OPEN PEER REVIEW

• Kodai KawamuraEmail author,
• Kazuya Ichikado,
• Yuko Yasuda,
• Keisuke Anan and
• Moritaka Suga

BMC Pulmonary MedicineBMC series – open, inclusive and trusted201717:94

DOI: 10.1186/s12890-017-0437-z

Abstract

Background

Acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal condition without an established pharmaceutical treatment. Most patients are treated with high-dose corticosteroids and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Azithromycin is a macrolide with immunomodulatory activity and may be beneficial for treatment of acute lung injury. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of azithromycin on survival of patients with idiopathic AE of IPF.

Novel aspects in diagnostic approach to respiratory patients: is it the time for a new semiotics?

Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine

STATE OF THE ART

 

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• Gino Soldati,
• Andrea SmargiassiEmail author,
• Alberto A. Mariani and
• Riccardo Inchingolo

Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine201712:15

DOI: 10.1186/s40248-017-0098-z

Abstract

Medical approach to patients is a fundamental step to get the correct diagnosis. The aim of this paper is to analyze some aspects of the reasoning process inherent in medical diagnosis in our era. Pathologic signs (anamnestic data, symptoms, semiotics, laboratory and strumental findings) represent informative phenomena to be integrated for inferring a diagnosis. Thus, diagnosis begins with “signs” and finishes in a probability of disease.

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

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology

RESEARCH

 

OPEN ACCESS

• William F. S. SellersEmail author

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology201713:30

DOI: 10.1186/s13223-017-0202-0

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.

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

Journal of Medical Internet Research

Original Paper

Laura Sbaffi^1*, MA, PhD ; 

Jennifer Rowley^2*, 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.