Glucocorticoid Use Is Associated with Risk for Atrial Fibrillation
General Medicine Summary and Comment
A large case-control study suggests that glucocorticoid use is linked to AF.
Quadrupling Inhaled Steroid Dose to Prevent Asthma Exacerbations
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In selected patients, this approach might diminish the need for oral steroids.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
October 15, 2009
Covering:
Oborne J et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009 Oct 1; 180:598
Do Atopic Dermatitis Patients with Eczema Herpeticum Have a Unique Phenotype?
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Certain characteristics were more common in patients with AD and history of EH than in other AD patients.
By Mary Wu Chang, MD
October 9, 2009
Covering:
Beck LA et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009 Aug; 124:260
Levalbuterol Is No Better Than Racemic Albuterol for Severe Acute Asthma
For continuous bronchodilator therapy, racemic albuterol and levalbuterol achieve similar outcomes.
By Cornelius W. Van Niel, MD
October 7, 2009
Covering:
Andrews T et al., J Pediatr 2009 Aug; 155:205.e1
Kercsmar CM and McDowell KM., J Pediatr 2009 Aug; 155:162
Bigger Waist Means Higher Asthma Risk
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Women with waist measurements >88 cm had higher risk for asthma than women in the same BMI categories but with smaller waist measurements.
By Wendy S. Biggs, MD
September 24, 2009
Covering:
Von Behren J et al., Thorax 2009 Aug 25
Asthma: Would FENO Help Me Know?
FENO testing could help diagnose asthma in children with respiratory symptoms.
The "Itchy Neuron" — A New Therapeutic Target?
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Distinct neurons transfer itch but not pain in the spinal cord of mice.
By Gil Yosipovitch, MD
September 4, 2009
Covering:
Sun Y-G et al., Science 2009 Aug 6
Filaggrin–Atopy Update
Dermatology Summary and Comment
In a meta-analysis, persons with filaggrin mutations were significantly more likely to have atopic dermatitis (and allergic rhinitis).
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
August 14, 2009
Covering:
van den Oord RAHM and Sheikh A., BMJ 2009 Jul 9; 339:b2433
More Evidence for the Role of Bocavirus in Asthma
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Among children with asthma exacerbations, the virus most commonly detected was human bocavirus.
Acidic Tendencies
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Acidity of the stratum corneum maintains skin barrier function; in mice, topical acidification prevented dermatitis.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
July 30, 2009
Covering:
Hatano Y et al., J Invest Dermatol 2009 Jul; 129:1824
Changes in Patch Test Frequencies for Contact Allergies
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Trends in contact allergy identified by comparative patch test results can inform clinical practice.
Vasculitis Update
Dermatology Summary and Comment
A summary of vasculitic conditions, with a focus on manifestations other than leg purpura
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
July 17, 2009
Covering:
Khasnis A and Langford CA., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009 Jun; 123:1226
Vitamin D Might Help More Than Bones
Vitamin D levels in children were inversely associated with measures of allergy and asthma severity.
By William P. Kanto, Jr., MD
July 15, 2009
Covering:
Brehm JM et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009 May 1; 179:765
Devereux G et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009 May 1; 179:739
"IL-22 T Cells" and Atopic Dermatitis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Increased numbers of IL-22–producing cells and increased expression differentiated AD from psoriasis and point the way for new therapies.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
July 10, 2009
Covering:
Nograles KE et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009 Jun; 123:e2
When It Comes to Nickel, Free Is Better
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Sixteen years after nickel release was regulated in jewelry, nickel allergy and dermatitis were less prevalent in Danish women with pierced ears.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
July 10, 2009
Covering:
Thyssen JP et al., N Engl J Med 2009 May 21; 360:2259
Triamcinolone Acetonide Aqueous Nasal Spray: Safe and Effective in Young Children
This intranasal corticosteroid can be used safely in children as young as 2 years for treatment of allergic rhinitis, with no growth or hormonal adverse effects.
By Robin Drucker, MD
June 17, 2009
Covering:
Weinstein S et al., Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2009 Apr; 102:339
Newly Uncovered Aspects of Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome
Dermatology Summary and Comment
In this prospective study, most eruptions occurred in the fall and winter, and many patients had cardiac involvement.
By Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
June 12, 2009
Covering:
Ben m’rad M et al., Medicine (Baltimore) 2009 May; 88:131
Bleach Baths for Atopic Dermatitis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Combined treatment with sodium hypochlorite and nasal mupirocin improved eczema severity, but we don’t yet know how or why.
Alterations in Skin Barrier Proteins Produce Immunological Alterations in Atopic Dermatitis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Insights into how a defect in a skin barrier protein affects immunological function from a flaky-tailed mouse
Accidental Exposure to Milk in Allergic Children
Most reactions were mild and resolved quickly.
By Howard Bauchner, MD
May 13, 2009
Covering:
Boyano-Martínez T et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009 Apr; 123:883
Combined Epinephrine and Dexamethasone Therapy for Bronchiolitis?
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
This study did not show clear benefit for combination therapy with nebulized epinephrine and oral dexamethasone.
Lichenoid Photodermatitis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Of 49 photoreactions in this review, 46 were linked to drugs and personal care products.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
April 24, 2009
Covering:
Collazo MH et al., Int J Dermatol 2009 Mar; 48:239
Are Proton-Pump Inhibitors Beneficial for Patients with Poorly Controlled Asthma?
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
For patients with minimal heartburn, probably not
Are Proton-Pump Inhibitors Beneficial for Patients with Poorly Controlled Asthma?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
For patients with minimal heartburn, probably not
By Allan S. Brett, MD
April 16, 2009
Covering:
The American Lung Association Asthma Clinical Research Centers., N Engl J Med 2009 Apr 9; 360:1487
Formal Allergy Assessment in Patients with Rhinitis and Asthma
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In self-assessments, patients commonly misidentified the allergens that cause them trouble.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
April 7, 2009
Covering:
Smith HE et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009 Mar; 123:646
