A simple prediction tool for inhaled corticosteroid response in asthmatic children

Yi-Fan Wu, Ming-Wei Su, Bor-Luen Chiang, Yao-Hsu Yang, Ching-Hui Tsai and Yungling L. Lee BMC Pulmonary Medicine BMC series – open, inclusive and trusted 2017 17:176 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-017-0533-0 Open Peer Review reports Abstract Background Inhaled corticosteroids are recommended as the first-line controller medication for childhood asthma owing to their multiple clinical benefits. However, heterogeneity in the response towards these drugs remains a significant clinical problem. Methods Children aged 5 to […]

The environment, epigenome, and asthma

Ivana V. Yang, PhD, Catherine A. Lozupone, PhD, David A. Schwartz, MD   PlumX Metrics DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2017.05.011  | Abstract Asthma prevalence has been on the increase, especially in North America compared with other continents. However, the prevalence of asthma differs worldwide, and in many countries the prevalence is stable or decreasing. This highlights the influence of […]

Evaluation of Potential Continuation Rules for Mepolizumab Treatment of Severe Eosinophilic Asthma

  Necdet B. Gunsoy, PhD, Sarah M. Cockle, PhD, Steven W. Yancey, MSc, Oliver N. Keene, MSc, Eric S. Bradford, MD, Frank C. Albers, PhD, Ian D. Pavord, FMedSci Open Access DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2017.11.026   Background Mepolizumab significantly reduces exacerbations in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. The early identification of patients likely to receive long-term benefit from […]

Add-on Therapy for Symptomatic Asthma despite Long-Acting Beta-Agonists/Inhaled Corticosteroid

Tuberc Respir Dis. 2017;80:e18. English.Published online Dec 13, 2017.  https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2017.0102  Michael Dreher, M.D. and Tobias Müller, M.D   Abstract Asthma, remains symptomatic despite ongoing treatment with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in conjunction with long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), is classified as “severe” asthma. In the course of caring for those patients diagnosed with severe asthma, stepping up from […]

Add-on Therapy for Symptomatic Asthma despite Long-Acting Beta-Agonists/Inhaled Corticosteroid

Tuberc Respir Dis. 2017;80:e18. English.Published online Dec 13, 2017.  https://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2017.0102  Michael Dreher, M.D. and Tobias Müller, M.D   Abstract Asthma, remains symptomatic despite ongoing treatment with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in conjunction with long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), is classified as “severe” asthma. In the course of caring for those patients diagnosed with severe asthma, stepping up from […]

Lung ultrasonography to diagnose community-acquired pneumonia in children

BMC Pulmonary Medicine   Debate- Open Access – Open Peer Review   Nicola Principi, Andrea Esposito, Caterina Giannitto and Susanna Esposito BMC Pulmonary Medicine BMC series – open, inclusive and trusted 2017 17:212 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-017-0561-9   Open Peer Review reports Abstract Background Early diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is essential to reduce the total burden of this disease. Traditionally, chest radiography (CR) is used to identify true […]

Barriers and facilitators of effective self-management in asthma: systematic review and thematic synthesis of patient and healthcare professional views

NPJ Prim Care Respir Med. 2017; 27: 57. doi:  10.1038/s41533-017-0056-4 Clare Miles,1 Emily Arden-Close,2 Mike Thomas,3,4 Anne Bruton,4,5 Lucy Yardley,1 Matthew Hankins,6 and Sarah E. Kirby1,4 Author information ► Article notes ► Copyright and License information ►   Abstract  Self-management is an established, effective approach to controlling asthma, recommended in guidelines. However, promotion, uptake and use among patients and health-care professionals remain low. Many barriers and facilitators to […]

NIHR Signal Breathing exercises improve asthma and can be learned by DVD

 Breathing exercises taught by a physiotherapist in person or on DVD both improved the quality of life of adults with poorly controlled asthma to a small but similar extent. The DVD was the cheapest option, and it could lead to inexpensive internet delivery in the future. This NIHR-funded trial recruited 655 UK adults with poorly […]

Inhaled magnesium sulfate in the treatment of acute asthma

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Nov 28;11:CD003898. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003898.pub6. Rachel Knightly,  Stephen J Milan, Rodney Hughes, Jennifer A Knopp-Sihota, Brian H Rowe, Rebecca Normansell, Colin Powell Abstract Background Asthma exacerbations can be frequent and range in severity from mild to life-threatening. The use of magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) is one of numerous treatment options available during […]