The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
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In the past years, several drugs commonly used by allergy specialists have received a "black box" warning added to their package insert at the direction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A "black box" warning is the highest level of 5 possible warning categories found in the package insert. The FDA has never articulated the basis for "black box" warnings. ⋯ Although the addition of a "black box" warning was recommended by the FDA Pediatric Advisory Committee for these 2 topical agents, the FDA has not yet implemented this warning. Informed consent principles require that a patient be adequately informed of the risks (among other components) of any recommended treatment. The risks, as described, of the long-acting beta-agonists and topical immunosuppressants should be presented to the patients to aid them in deciding whether they are willing to take these drugs when recommended by their physician.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Jan 2006
Pulmonary T(H)2 response in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected patients with cystic fibrosis.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection determines the course of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Studies in human peripheral blood indicate that P aeruginosa infection is associated with a predominant T(H)2 immune response, whereas T(H)1 responses are accompanied by a better pulmonary outcome. ⋯ These results reveal the prevalence of a pulmonary T(H)2 immune response in P aeruginosa-infected patients with CF. The modulation of the pulmonary T(H)2 response in P aeruginosa infection may be an option for the treatment of P aeruginosa lung disease in patients with CF.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Dec 2005
Comparative StudyA pilot study of the usefulness and safety of a ready-to-use atopy patch test (Diallertest) versus a comparator (Finn Chamber) during cow's milk allergy in children.
Patch testing is used in the diagnosis of food allergy, especially during delayed manifestations. ⋯ The ready-to-use APT exhibited a good sensitivity and specificity, with no side effects.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Nov 2005
Nitrosative stress in the bronchial mucosa of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Reactive nitrogen species, formed via the reaction of nitric oxide (NO) with superoxide anion and via (myelo)peroxidase-dependent oxidation of NO(2)(-), have potent proinflammatory and oxidizing actions. Reactive nitrogen species formation and nitrosative stress are potentially involved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis. ⋯ These data suggest that nitrosative stress, mainly mediated by MPO and neutrophilic inflammation, may contribute to the pathogenesis of severe COPD.