Leukotriene B4: A Central Recruiter of Neutrophils in Allergic Dermatitis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
LTB4-mediated attraction of neutrophils to skin subjected to tape stripping, a surrogate for scratching, is essential for development of allergic inflammation.
Magnesium Infusion for Pediatric Status Asthmaticus Is Safe and Feasible
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
But the question remains, is it effective?
Sneezing from Eczema
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Eczema in infancy might have a causal effect on hay fever in children with asthma.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
November 9, 2012
Covering:
Hopper JL et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012 Nov; 130:1117
Oral Corticosteroids Do Not Increase the Incidence of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Skin cancer is one of the few effects that physicians do not have to worry about in long-term systemic corticosteroid users.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
October 12, 2012
Covering:
Baibergenova AT et al., J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2012 Sep; 26:1109
Eczema Herpeticum in Children: Predictors of Hospitalization
Dermatology Summary and Comment
The danger of recurrence makes it important to control atopic dermatitis and recognize the signs of eczema herpeticum.
By Mary Wu Chang, MD
October 12, 2012
Covering:
Luca NJC et al., J Pediatr 2012 Oct; 161:671
Another Look at As-Needed Inhaled Steroids for Asthma
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Daily inhaled steroids might not be needed for all patients with mild-to-moderate asthma, but we shouldn't abandon current guidelines yet.
By David J. Amrol, MD
September 25, 2012
Covering:
Calhoun WJ et al., JAMA 2012 Sep 12; 308:987
O'Connor GT and Reibman J., JAMA 2012 Sep 12; 308:1036
Histamine H4 Receptor Antagonists
Dermatology Summary and Comment
In a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis, an H4 receptor antagonist produced encouraging results.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
September 21, 2012
Covering:
Matsushita A et al., Exp Dermatol 2012 Sep; 21:714
Tiotropium Prevents Exacerbations in Some Patients with Severe Asthma
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
In patients with poorly controlled asthma, this agent might be a reasonable option.
By David J. Amrol, MD
September 13, 2012
Covering:
Kerstjens HAM et al., N Engl J Med 2012 Sep 27; 367:1198
Bel EH., N Engl J Med 2012 Sep 27; 367:1257
Wet Wrap ASAP
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
An underused, intensive topical treatment is effective for severe atopic dermatitis.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
September 7, 2012
Covering:
Dabade TS et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2012 Jul; 67:100
Inhaled Glucocorticoids for Childhood Asthma Modestly Reduce Adult Height
Mean adult height was 1.2 cm lower in those who used budesonide during childhood.
In Severe Eosinophilic Asthma, Anti–Eosinophil Therapy Prevents Exacerbations
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Blocking interleukin-5 helps a subset of asthma patients.
By David J. Amrol, MD
August 23, 2012
Covering:
Pavord ID et al., Lancet 2012 Aug 18; 380:651
Does Dog or Cat Exposure Protect Against Respiratory Tract Infections During the First Year of Life?
In this prospective study, dog contact was more protective than cat contact, but the results leave the question unresolved.
Pediatric Asthma Admission Is Less Likely with Early Steroid Administration
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
Every 30-minute delay in steroid treatment increased odds of admission.
Oral Immunotherapy for Egg Allergy Is Effective
. . .but not quite ready for routine use.
By David J. Amrol, MD
July 18, 2012
Covering:
Burks AW et al., N Engl J Med 2012 Jul 19; 367:233
Combination Nasal Steroid–Antihistamine Is More Effective Than Either Agent Alone
General Medicine Summary and Comment
For patients with allergic rhinitis, twice-daily azelastine plus fluticasone cut nasal symptoms.
By David J. Amrol, MD
June 19, 2012
Covering:
Carr W et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012 May; 129:1282
Is "Drug-Induced" Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis a Separate Entity?
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Authors of this literature review reappraise the differentiation of a drug-associated type of LABD.
By Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
June 8, 2012
Covering:
Fortuna G et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2012 Jun; 66:988
Low L et al., Clin Exp Dermatol 2012 Feb 2
Staph-ing the Skin with Bacteria
Dermatology Summary and Comment
The composition and diversity of the skin microbiome is clinically important.
By Kenneth Y. Tsai, MD, PhD
June 1, 2012
Covering:
Kong HH et al., Genome Res 2012 May; 22:850
Verhulst NO et al., PLoS ONE 2011 Dec; 6:e28991
Another Reassuring Study on LABA–ICS Safety in Asthma
General Medicine Summary and Comment
When used with inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting β-agonist bronchodilators reduce asthma exacerbations.
By David J. Amrol, MD
May 17, 2012
Covering:
Wells KE et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012 May; 129:1274
Pedersen S and O'Byrne PM., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012 May; 129:1280
Chronic Urticaria Might Be a Harbinger of Other Autoimmune Diseases
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Subsequently diagnosed autoimmune diseases were 17 times more common in patients with idiopathic urticaria.
By David J. Amrol, MD
May 10, 2012
Covering:
Confino-Cohen R et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012 May; 129:1307
Allergic Reactions and TH 9 Helper T Cells
Dermatology Summary and Comment
How interleukin-9 and T helper 9 cells regulate allergic airway inflammation might elucidate the process of allergic disease.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
May 4, 2012
Covering:
Jones CP et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012 Apr; 129:1000
Munitz A and Foster PST., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012 Apr; 129:1011
Prenatal PPI Exposure and Childhood Asthma
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
Maternal PPI use during pregnancy or the year thereafter is associated with an increased risk for asthma in the offspring but may not be causal.
Atopic Dermatitis Awash in GWAS
Dermatology Summary and Comment
A meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies indicates that AD is caused by alterations in both epidermal differentiation and immune function.
Self-Management of COPD Does Not Reduce Adverse Outcomes
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Self-management might benefit a subset of patients, but identifying them is the challenge.
Benefits of Initiating Steroids at Triage for Pediatric Asthma
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
Initiation of oral steroids at triage decreased admissions and expedited clinical improvement in children with moderate to severe asthma exacerbations.
How Medication Cost-Sharing Affects Resource Utilization in Children with Asthma
Greater patient drug costs slightly reduce medication use and increase asthma-related hospitalizations.
By F. Bruder Stapleton, MD
April 4, 2012
Covering:
Karaca-Mandic P et al., JAMA 2012 Mar 28; 307:1284
Ungar WJ., JAMA 2012 Mar 28; 307:1316
