Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Oct 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyPatient perceptions of asthma-related financial burden: public vs. private health insurance in the United States.
Given the complexity of the health insurance market in the United States and the confusion that often stems from these complexities, patient perception about the value of health insurance in managing chronic disease is important to understand. ⋯ African American women who perceive asthma as a financial burden regardless of health insurance report more urgent health care visits and lower quality of life. Burden may be present despite having and being able to generate economic resources and health insurance. Further policy efforts are indicated and special attention should focus on type of coverage.
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Oct 2014
Pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis: the Vanderbilt experience.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic disease of the esophagus unresponsive to treatment with proton pump inhibitors. A combination of immediate, IgE-mediated and delayed, and non-IgE-mediated immune reactions to foods and aeroallergens is thought to contribute to disease pathogenesis. Optimal methods to assess for food allergen sensitization have been debated. Patients with EoE often have comorbid atopic diseases. ⋯ In pediatric patients with EoE, sensitization to aeroallergens increases with age, whereas sensitization to foods decreases with age. Concomitant atopic disease is common. APT is useful to identify additional food allergens not detected by SPT. A history of atopic dermatitis does not appear to be associated with nonspecific positivity by SPT or APT.
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Oct 2014
Observational StudyComprehensive efficacy of omalizumab for severe refractory asthma: a time-series observational study.
Omalizumab, a humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, is reportedly an effective treatment for severe allergic asthma. However, there have been few comprehensive analyses of its efficacy, including assessments of small airways or airway remodeling. ⋯ Omalizumab was effective for adult patients with severe refractory asthma. Omalizumab may have anti-inflammatory effects on small airways and reverse airway remodeling.