The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Nov 2001
Emergency department anaphylaxis: A review of 142 patients in a single year.
There are few data on the incidence, clinical features, and management of patients with acute anaphylaxis presenting to the emergency department. We investigated all presentations to one department during the course of a year to improve current awareness of this medical emergency. ⋯ The emergency department anaphylaxis presentation incidence of 1 in 439 cases is greater than previously recognized, though death remains rare. In three fourths of cases, a precipitant was identified, a fact that emphasizes the need for a detailed initial history. Definitive management in the emergency department alone is possible in most cases, provided that the appropriate use of adrenaline and the need for allergy clinic follow-up are appreciated.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Aug 2001
Preclinical efficacy and safety of mepolizumab (SB-240563), a humanized monoclonal antibody to IL-5, in cynomolgus monkeys.
Allergic respiratory diseases are characterized by large numbers of eosinophils and their reactive products in airways and blood; these are believed to be involved in progressive airway damage and remodeling. IL-5 is the principal cytokine for eosinophil maturation, differentiation, and survival. Mepolizumab (SB-240563), a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for human IL-5, is currently in clinical trials for treatment of asthma. ⋯ These studies demonstrate that chronic antagonism of IL-5 by mepolizumab in monkeys is safe and has the potential, through long-term reductions in circulating and tissue-resident eosinophils, to be beneficial therapy for chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Jul 2001
ReviewEffects of intranasal corticosteroids on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in children.
In adults, morning plasma cortisol levels are twice that of late afternoon and evening values. In children, a delay in the time of onset in peak cortisol levels has been observed in those treated with inhaled corticosteroids. Consequently, the single morning cortisol level has a low sensitivity for detecting adrenal insufficiency in children. ⋯ No effects on the HPA axis were detected in either children or adults. It is unlikely that children are more sensitive to corticosteroids than are adults. There seems to be little point in performing routine monitoring of adrenal function in children who are treated with intranasal corticosteroid treatment.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Jun 2001
Anaphylaxis caused by the new ant, Pachycondyla chinensis: demonstration of specific IgE and IgE-binding components.
There have been no reports dealing with the pathogenic mechanism and IgE-binding components in patients with anaphylaxis caused by a sting from Pachycondyla chinensis. ⋯ IgE-mediated reactions contributed to the development of P chinensis -induced anaphylaxis. Eight IgE-binding components and one major allergen (12 kd) were identified. Further studies will be needed to clarify the role of sIgG4 and to identify allergenic relationships with major bee and wasp allergens.
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J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. · Jun 2001
Natural rubber pharmaceutical vial closures release latex allergens that produce skin reactions.
The release of allergenic proteins from natural rubber vial closures (stoppers) into aqueous pharmaceuticals may induce allergic reactions in individuals with latex allergy (LA) receiving medications from such vials. ⋯ Natural rubber vial closures released allergenic latex proteins into the tested solutions in direct contact during storage in sufficient quantities to elicit positive intradermal skin reactions in some individuals with LA. These data support a recommendation to eliminate natural rubber from closures of pharmaceutical vials.