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
Free
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
Free
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
Free
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
Free
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
Free
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
What Causes Childhood Asthma?
One study links asthma with birth during months with high spore or pollen concentrations, and another links asthma with TV watching for 2 or more hours per day.
By F. Bruder Stapleton, MD
April 1, 2009
Covering:
Harley KG et al., Thorax 2009 Apr; 64:353
Sherriff A et al., Thorax 2009 Apr; 64:321
School-Based Treatment to Improve Asthma Control
Children who received supervised inhaled-steroid therapy at school had marginally better asthma control than those who received usual care at home.
Photopatch Tests
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Photopatch testing can differentiate photoallergic dermatitis from other reactions; many sunscreen ingredients may be involved.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
March 27, 2009
Covering:
Scalf LA et al., Dermatitis 2009 Jan/Feb; 20:44
Oral Immunotherapy for Peanut Allergies?
Preliminary results suggest that tiny incremental daily doses of peanut flour increase tolerance in some children.
Treating Allergic Rhinitis in Children
Results from two randomized trials indicate that sublingual immunotherapy is effective in children.
By Howard Bauchner, MD
February 25, 2009
Covering:
Wahn U et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009 Jan; 123:160
Bufe A et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009 Jan; 123:167
Estrogen-Related Angioedemas
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
Novel forms of angioedema are often related to an estrogen trigger.
By Mark V. Dahl, MD
February 20, 2009
Covering:
Hentges F et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009 Jan; 123:262
