Allergy and asthma proceedings最新文献

Background/Objective: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) have a high morbidity of anosmia, yet there are few noninvasive biomarkers to measure treatment response. Nitric oxide (NO) is found in the paranasal sinuses at 100 times higher levels than in the lungs and is vital for antimicrobial and/or mucociliary activities and vasodilatory properties. Dupilumab has been shown to improve anosmia in 2 weeks as measured by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), and Loss of Smell (LoS) scoring. We examined the use of NO in various collection methods to monitor anosmia improvement with dupilumab treatment. Methods: Adults with CRSwNP confirmed by computer tomography or endoscopy consented to receive dupilumab 300 mg every two weeks for 16 weeks. Subjects with polyposis despite treatment with steroids and/or a history of sinus surgery were recruited. Measurements of sinus NO (sNO) from the nostril while humming, nasal NO (nNO) while breath-holding, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) while exhaling were collected at baseline and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 weeks. Olfactory impairment was measured by using the UPSIT, SNOT-22, and LoS scoring at every visit. Results: Sixteen adults, with a mean (range) age of 43 years (25-53 years) were predominantly women (12/16). Baseline mean (range) sNO values of 434 ppb (203-665 ppb) significantly increased at 2 weeks to a mean (range) of 1150 ppb (684-1616 ppb) (p < 0.05). Significant improvements in the UPSIT, SNOT-22, and LoS scores were found at 2 weeks; a weak correlation of the sNO level with the UPSIT and SNOT-22 scores was noted. No significant changes in the FeNO or nNO values were found. Significant improvement was found specifically with anosmia by the end of 2 weeks. Conclusion: Our small pilot study revealed increased sNO levels in the sinuses as early as 2 weeks after the initial dupilumab administration. Thus, in patients with CRSwNP without asthma, the sNO value has the potential to be used as a noninvasive, objective biomarker for early treatment improvement in anosmia.

Background: Hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) are marked by persistent eosinophilia, absence of a primary cause, and evidence of eosinophil-mediated organ damage. HES presents a spectrum of clinical manifestations, with prognosis and treatment varying based on the subtype, including myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms and chronic eosinophilic leukemia, not otherwise specified. The primary treatment goal is to reduce eosinophil levels to prevent organ damage, typically by using glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents. However, these treatments often have limited efficacy and considerable adverse effects. Objective: Given the central role of interleukin (IL) 5 in eosinophil development and survival, this study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of anti-IL-5 therapies in patients with HES. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on two data bases. The primary outcome was the reduction in absolute eosinophil count, and secondary outcomes included the incidence of flares and adverse events. Data Analysis was conducted, and forest plots were made for each outcome. Results: Four trials were included in the analysis. Ninety-five percent of the patients in the anti-IL-5 group showed a reduction in the absolute eosinophil count compared with 41% in the placebo group (risk ratio [RR] 2.32 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.67-3.22]; p = <0.00001; tau statistic (I²) = 0%). Anti-IL-5 therapy was associated with a lower incidence of disease flares, with 15% of the patients in the anti-IL-5 group who experienced flares compared with 30% in the placebo group (RR 0.50 [95% CI, 0.31-0.86]; p = 0.01; I² = 0%). The incidence of adverse events was similar between the two groups (RR 0.99 [95% CI, 0.91-1.07]; p = 0.81; I² = 0%). Conclusion: Anti-IL-5 therapies are effective in reducing eosinophil count and preventing disease flares in patients with HES.

Background: Hypersensitivity reactions (HRs) to iron agents are increasing in parallel with increased use of iron preparations. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the clinical features and our previous desensitization protocol in patients with immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHR) to iron agents. Methods: We screened the medical records of 96 patients with a history of IHRs to oral or intravenous (IV) iron agents. We evaluated clinical features and diagnostic test results. Furthermore, we assessed the safety and success rate of the desensitization protocol. Results: Forty-seven patients had a history of IHRs to oral iron preparations, whereas 49 patients had a history of IHRs to IV iron agents. Skin-prick tests (SPT) with suspected and alternative oral iron salts were performed in 52.1% of the patients, and five were positive. SPTs and intradermal tests with IV iron products were applied to 67.7% and 65.6% of the patients, respectively, and four yielded positivity. Anaphylaxis was more common in patients hypersensitive to IV iron agents (n = 33) (p < 0.001). In 15 patients for whom iron agents were mandatory, 52 successful desensitizations with ferric carboxymaltose were performed. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that skin tests were not helpful in the diagnosis of IHRs to iron agents and the parenteral route of administration was related to more severe IHRs. Furthermore, in case of necessity, our IV desensitization protocol generated for ferric carboxymaltose is a safe, effective, and practical treatment of choice.

Background: In recent years, there has been a trend to forgo screening for peanut allergy (PA), even in infants at high risk. This study aimed to better understand the implications of screening for PA before peanut introduction. Objective: We sought to characterize the outcomes of infants who underwent PA skin testing in a tertiary-care allergy clinic. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review between July 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020, on all infants seen in the allergy clinic who had a peanut skin-prick test and recorded their demographic and clinical characteristics as well as outcomes with regard to PA and tolerance. Results: Twenty percent of the infants screened were identified as having PA. Infants with a PA were more likely to be older at the time of testing, more likely to have another allergist-diagnosed immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated food allergy, and more likely to have a prescription for a stronger (class VI or stronger) topical steroid. When conducted, oral food challenge was safe, with the majority of infants being treated with observation or antihistamines. A large percentage of infants with a PA developed tolerance during the follow-up period. Conversely, 5% of the infants who were initially tolerant developed a new PA. Conclusion: PA is associated with severe atopic dermatitis and other IgE-mediated food allergies. However, it is unclear if there is a benefit from screening infants before peanut introduction. It is important to monitor for resolution in the infant population.

Background: The data on subphenotypes and treatment responses to biologicals in late-onset asthma (LOA) is limited. This study aims to compare the clinical characteristics and treatment responses in severe asthma patients receiving biological treatments, categorized into early-onset asthma (EOA) and LOA groups. Methods: Patients treated with omalizumab or mepolizumab for at least six months at a tertiary care adult allergy clinic between December 2015 and December 2023 were included. Patients with persistent respiratory symptoms starting at age ≥40 years were categorized as LOA, while those with onset <40 years were categorized as EOA. Changes in Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-6) scores, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) percentages, and blood eosinophil counts were assessed at baseline and 6 months. The percentage change in FEV1 (liters) at 6 months relative to baseline was measured. Clinical remission rates were evaluated in those completing one year of treatment. Results: Among 87 patients, 38 (43.7%) had LOA and 49 (56.3%) had EOA. Of these, 22 (25.3%) received omalizumab and 65 (74.7%) received mepolizumab, with a mean treatment duration of 24.7 (±19.7) months. LOA patients had higher obesity rates and tobacco consumption compared to EOA patients (p = 0.041 and p = 0.024, respectively). There were no significant differences between LOA and EOA groups in ACQ scores, FEV1 percentage, the percentage change in FEV1 in liters and eosinophil counts (p = 0.531, p = 0.219, p = 0.632, p = 0.700, respectively). Within LOA patients, ACQ scores did not significantly differ between those treated with omalizumab and mepolizumab (p = 0.801). At 6 months, eosinophil counts significantly decreased with mepolizumab but not with omalizumab (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Biological treatment responses were similar between LOA and EOA groups. Omalizumab and mepolizumab showed comparable efficacy, with the exception of eosinophil count changes in LOA patients.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an interactive learning model well accepted in undergraduate medical education. Utilization of PBL in most postgraduate continuing medical education (CME) programs has been limited. The traditional didactic lecture (TDL) model alone in CME programs, although much more commonly used, may fail to assess self-efficacy, educational needs, and appropriate use of shared decision-making (SDM). These aspects of practice are essential, and assessment of these skills is necessary to ensure effective change in physician behavior to improve patient outcomes. PBL case discussions during CME breakout groups foster a participant-centered interactive environment that strengthens critical thinking, team collaboration, and clinical reasoning. Through engagement with clinically relevant cases, PBL allows for tailored educational interventions. Integrating or blending PBL with TDL engages the learners in a real-world case discussion first, followed by succinct post-PBL lectures, which are uniquely "in context" to the actual case discussion. The post-PBL lectures are designed to address knowledge gaps that may have been uncovered during the PBL case discussions and reinforce practice guidelines to correct identified misinformation by learners. The PBL approach not only improves knowledge retention but also leads to better adherence to clinical guidelines by producing significant changes in physician behavior, leading to higher-value patient care. Furthermore, PBL promotes effective and appropriate SDM. Still, there are challenges to PBL implementation in postgraduate CME, including logistical constraints and facilitator training requirements. Thus far, integration of PBL is variable across fields of medicine. Further research is needed to optimize PBL application in postgraduate training. This review advocates for a shift from passive learning systems by TDLs alone to interactive educational models, e.g., blended PBL, which synergizes the two adult learning theories.

Objective: To assess the association between airborne particulate matter (PM) exposure and the development of asthma in children, a systematic review and meta-analysis that included nearly 10 years of related literature was conducted. Study Design: The study investigators conducted a systematic review of relevant research articles published between March 2013 and March 2023, which were accessible through several medical literature data bases of. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to analyze the effects of PM on childhood asthma. Subgroup analyses, including exposure period, type of PM, regional factors, and study type, were also used. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to represent the estimated effect of the population. Publication bias was assessed by using the Egger test and funnel plot. Data analyses were performed using statistical analysis software and a systematic review management tool. Results: A total of 15,365 articles were identified, of which 19 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that PM exposure was positively correlated with asthma in children, with the overall random-effects risk estimates of OR 1.10 (95% CI, 1.07-1.13). In stratified analyses, PM exposure was found to be a risk factor for the development of childhood asthma. Both prenatal and postnatal PM exposure were associated with an increased risk of asthma in children, but prenatal exposure was associated with a greater increase in risk than postnatal exposure, with an effect estimate OR of 1.21 (95% CI, 1.02-1.43). In the analysis of different PM types, the OR of PM_2.5 (PM < 2.5 μm in diameter) exposure was OR 1.10 (95% CI, 1.05-1.15), and no association was found between PM₁₀ (PM < 10 μm in diameter), coarse PM (PM with an aerodynamic diameter between 2.5 and 10 μm), and black carbon BC (diameter of 0.01-0.05 μm) exposure. In different regional analyses, the effects of PM exposure on childhood asthma risk were OR 1.15 (95% CI, 1.13-1.17) in South America and OR 1.02 (95% CI, 1.01-1.03) in Asia, but no association was found in Europe and North America. In addition, the results of different study types only found that the literature that used the time-series research method had a significant association with OR 1.03 (95% CI, 1.02-1.04), whereas the literature that used the cohort study method had no statistical difference. Conclusion: Exposure to airborne PM increased the risk of asthma in children. Both prenatal and postnatal PM exposure was associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma, but prenatal PM exposure was associated with a greater increase than postnatal PM exposure.

Background: In patients with asthma, bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation both contribute to airway narrowing and airflow limitations, which lead to symptoms and exacerbations. Short-acting β₂-agonist (SABA)-only rescue therapy addresses only bronchoconstriction and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Current asthma management guidelines recommend concomitant treatment of symptoms and inflammation with a fast-acting bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) as rescue therapy for patients ≥12 years of age. However, there is an education and outreach gap for the wider adoption of anti-inflammatory rescue therapy in clinical practice. Objective: AstraZeneca has developed an education program for health-care practitioners (HCPs) based on a Knowledge-to-Action Framework, with the aim of increasing HCPs' understanding of key disease-state concepts related to evidence-based management of asthma. Methods: A multichannel, evidence-based education program was presented at medical conferences across the United States between December 2022 and December 2023. Before and after each event, attendees were asked to complete a survey that rated their agreement with six disease-state concepts on a five-point Likert scale. These concepts related to the role of airway inflammation, fluctuations in inflammation, SABA and ICS therapy, and the risk of exacerbations. Postevent responses to the survey were assessed relative to pre-event responses and longitudinally over 12 months by using calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Acceptance and/or understanding of a concept was defined as a rating of "agree" or "strongly agree" from at least 80% of respondents. Results: The proportion of respondents who agreed or strongly agreed with each concept was significantly higher postevent versus pre-event (p < 0.001). The 80% acceptance and/or understanding threshold was surpassed for all concepts after the event. Conclusion: The medical education program improved understanding and/or acceptance of key disease-state concepts related to asthma management among participating HCPs. Effective communication of disease management concepts may lead to improved patient health outcomes through more rapid acceptance of guideline-recommended medical therapies.

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease characterized by eosinophilic inflammation of the esophagus and associated esophageal dysfunction with increasing worldwide prevalence. Clinical presentation is nonspecific and varies with age, with limited studies in the pediatric population. Objective: Our study aimed to compile clinical phenotypes, esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings, and treatment response of EoE in a tertiary pediatric center, and to examine factors associated with the response of treatment. Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of 824 patients diagnosed with EoE at Children's Hospital of Michigan from 2011 to 2021. Data collected included a demographic profile, symptoms, esophagogastroduodenoscopic and histopathologic findings, treatment modalities, response, and compliance. We then performed a multivariable logistic regression to assess the associating factors that influenced the treatment response rate. Results: A high proportion of males and coexisting allergic conditions were observed in the patients with EoE, with the most common presentation of vomiting in children and of abdominal pain in adolescents. Among 656 of the 824 patients who had follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy, treatment response rates varied among modalities, with proton-pump inhibitor treatment exhibiting the highest response rate, at 60.8%, followed by diet modification (50%) and topical steroid treatment (43.5%). Significant predictors of normal endoscopic findings at follow-up included female gender, normal endoscopic appearance, good compliance to treatment, and absence of topical steroids in the treatment regimen. There were no significant differences in outcomes observed for targeted elimination led by a skin-prick test or specific immunoglobulin E test. Medication compliance did not significantly differ among the treatment options. Conclusion: Managing EoE in pediatric patients poses significant challenges, which emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary care to achieve treatment response effectively. The findings underscore the complexity of managing EoE and the need for individualized treatment approaches. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize management strategies for pediatric patients with EoE.