The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Sep 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyA cumulative dose study of levalbuterol and racemic albuterol administered by hydrofluoroalkane-134a metered-dose inhaler in asthmatic subjects.
The short-acting beta(2)-agonists levalbuterol and racemic albuterol are available for administration through a hydrofluoroalkane-134a (HFA) metered-dose inhaler (MDI). ⋯ In this study single-day cumulative dosing of asthmatic subjects with levalbuterol HFA MDI or racemic albuterol HFA MDI resulted in similar improvements in FEV(1) and tolerability. Plasma (R)-albuterol levels and mean heart rate were less with levalbuterol HFA MDI.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Sep 2008
Clinical TrialTreatment of chronic autoimmune urticaria with omalizumab.
Approximately 45% of patients with chronic urticaria have an IgG autoantibody directed to the alpha-subunit of the high-affinity IgE receptor (chronic autoimmune urticaria, CAU) leading to cutaneous mast cell and basophil activation. Treatment of allergic asthma with omalizumab produces rapid reduction in free IgE levels and subsequent decrease in Fc epsilon RI expression on mast cells and basophils. If this occurs in CAU, cross-linking of IgE receptors by autoantibody would be less likely, reducing cell activation and urticaria/angioedema. ⋯ This exploratory proof of concept study suggests omalizumab is an effective therapy for CAU resistant to antihistamines.