Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Jul 2012
ReviewContribution of stress to asthma worsening through mast cell activation.
To review the available evidence linking stress to asthma and to investigate whether mast cells contribute to the effect of stress through activation by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). ⋯ More studies are required to investigate lung levels of CRH and selective mast cell mediators. Reducing stress and using CRH receptor antagonists and/or mast cell blockers may serve as possible new therapeutic approaches for asthma.
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Jul 2012
Case ReportsImmunological mechanisms underlying delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions to glatiramer acetate.
Delayed-type hypersensitivity to glatiramer acetate is rare, and the underlying immunological mechanisms are not completely understood. ⋯ This study demonstrates the important role of T(H)1 cells expressing skin-homing receptors in delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions to glatiramer acetate. A lymphocyte transformation test revealed a specific glatiramer acetate recognition by T lymphocytes and NK lymphocytes.
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Jul 2012
Impact of omalizumab on emergency-department visits, hospitalizations, and corticosteroid use among patients with uncontrolled asthma.
Omalizumab is a monoclonal antibody indicated for moderate to severe allergic asthma patients with inadequately controlled symptoms. ⋯ The current analysis showed that omalizumab treatment initiation was associated with significant reductions in ED visits, hospitalizations, and corticosteroid use.
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Jul 2012
Identifying uncontrolled asthma in children with the childhood asthma control test or exhaled nitric oxide measurement.
International guidelines highlight the importance of assessing asthma control status in children with asthma, and research on practical and objective instruments for assessing asthma control is ongoing. ⋯ The C-ACT is superior to FeNO in determining the control status of children with asthma and may be used as a complementary tool in clinical practice to detect children with not well-controlled asthma.