Children (Basel, Switzerland)
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Bronchial hyperreactivity, reversible airflow limitation and chronic airway inflammation characterize asthma pathophysiology. Personalized medicine, i.e., a tailored management approach, is appropriate for asthma management and is based on the identification of peculiar phenotypes and endotypes. Biomarkers are necessary for defining phenotypes and endotypes. ⋯ In this regard, eosinophil assessment and serum allergen-specific IgE assay are the most reliable biomarkers. Lung function, mainly concerning forced expiratory flow at 25-755 of vital capacity (FEF25-75), and nasal cytology may be envisaged as ancillary biomarkers in asthma management. In conclusion, biomarkers have clinical relevance in asthma concerning both the endotype definition and the personalization of the therapy.
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The Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire (PSOCQ) measures patients' willingness to engage in active self-management of their pain. The present study aimed to create validated German short versions of the PSOCQ for adolescents (PSOCQ-A) and their parents (PSOCQ-P). Additionally, an investigation of stages of change regarding pain characteristics and treatment outcomes was undertaken. ⋯ Stage of change at discharge did not predict treatment non-response 3 months later. This study indicates that the PSOCQ is neither meaningful prior to admission nor predictive of non-response to treatment. While some value may exist in monitoring treatment progress, based on the results of this study, it is not recommended that the PSOCQ-A and PSOCQ-P be used as a measure of stage of change in German pediatric pain populations.