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Vocal cord dysfunction in bronchial asthma A review Article.

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Vocal cord dysfunction in bronchial asthma A review Article.

J Asthma. 2014 Nov 3;:1-19

Authors: Idrees M, FitzGerald JM

Abstract
Abstract Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a condition in which the larynx exhibits paradoxical vocal cord adduction during inspiration, resulting in extra-thoracic variable airway obstruction. It has been described as a mimic of asthma, and hence, many patients with VCD are diagnosed as difficult-to-treat asthma and suffer significant morbidity as such. During the last few decades, many publications have described many conditions that may cause or coexist with VCD. In addition, the association between asthma and VCD was recognized. In this narrative review we provide an overview of the current knowledge about VCD and, in particular its relationship to asthma. We also provide a recommended pragmatic diagnostic algorithm and treatment options based on our collaborative multi-disciplinary management of patients attending a difficult to control asthma. In completing this review we searched the literature using the database from MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane library using the medical terms "vocal cord/vocal cord dysfunction and asthma". Conclusion: Most VCD patients present with inadequately controlled asthma rather than the typical symptoms described in association with VCD. Careful diagnostic strategy as outlined in this review may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis.

PMID: 25365113 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Efficacy of high-dose vitamin D in pediatric asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

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Efficacy of high-dose vitamin D in pediatric asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

J Asthma. 2014 Nov 3;:1-29

Authors: Pojsupap S, Iliriani K, Sampaio TZ, O'Hearn K, Kin R, Kovesi T, Menon K, McNally JD

Abstract
Abstract Context: Observational studies have suggested a relationship between vitamin D status and asthma-related respiratory outcomes. The benefit of vitamin D supplementation for pulmonary function, symptoms and exacerbations is not well established. Objective: To systematically review paediatric clinical trials investigating the role of vitamin D on asthma-related respiratory outcomes. Data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched January 2014. No date or language restrictions. Study selection: Clinical trials reporting asthma-related respiratory outcomes following vitamin D administration at a dose equal or greater than 500 IU per day were included and reviewed independently by two authors for full systematic review eligibility. Data extraction: Two reviewers independently extracted and verified predefined data fields. Results: We identified five studies that met study eligibility and assessed final data synthesis. The median trial size was 48 participants (range 17-430) and the average daily dose of cholecalciferol ranged from 500 to 2,000 IU/day. Overall study methodological quality was high, but some heterogeneity in population and vitamin D dosing regimen was evident. Meta-analysis suggested a statistically significant reduction (RR 0.41, CI 0.27 to 0.63) in asthma exacerbation with vitamin D therapy. Limitations: Due to variability in outcome selection and missing data, it was not possible to perform meta-analysis for pulmonary function testing and asthma symptom scores. Vitamin D-related adverse events were not considered in four of five papers. Conclusions: Available evidence from this systematic review suggests that high dose vitamin D may prevent asthma exacerbation. This should be confirmed through larger well-designed randomized controlled trials.

PMID: 25365192 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy in asthma control: Acute, dose-related effects and real-life effectiveness.

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Budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy in asthma control: Acute, dose-related effects and real-life effectiveness.

Respirology. 2014 Nov 3;

Authors: Lin CH, Hsu JY, Hsiao YH, Tseng CM, Su VY, Chen YH, Yang SN, Lee YC, Su KC, Perng DW

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy (BFMRT) in asthma control is well documented in large randomized controlled trials. However, the acute reliever effects and real-life effectiveness are seldom reported.
METHODS: This multicenter trial enrolled steroid-naïve, symptomatic asthmatics with baseline exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) of ≥40 ppb. There were 120 eligible patients who were randomized and received a dose of inhaled budesonide/formoterol 320/9 μg (lower dose budesonide/formoterol), 640/18 μg (higher dose budesonide/formoterol (HDBF)), or terbutaline (TERB) 1 mg. Inflammatory cells and mediators in induced sputum, eNO and lung function were measured at baseline and 6 h (acute phase). Subsequently, all patients used BFMRT as real-life practice for 24 weeks (maintenance phase).
RESULTS: In the acute phase, the degree of post-treatment reduction in total eosinophil counts, interleukin-8 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in induced sputum were significantly greater in group HDBF (vs TERB, P < 0.05). The increase in forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1 ) in group HDBF was significantly higher (vs LDBF and TERB, P < 0.05) 3 h after dosing. In the maintenance phase, significant improvement of asthma control (presented by eNO, FEV1 and a five-item asthma control questionnaire) in real-life settings was observed at 4 weeks and sustained to the end of study. The rate of patients who followed scheduled visits declined over time (87% at week 4 and 42% at week 24).
CONCLUSIONS: Budesonide/formoterol as reliever exerts acute, dose-related anti-inflammatory effects and FEV1 improvement in symptomatic asthmatics. BFMRT is effective in asthma control. However, the decrease in long-term follow-up rate remains an issue to overcome in real-life settings.

PMID: 25366969 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Scientific foundations of allergen-specific immunotherapy for allergic disease.

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Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) was described as a therapeutic option for the treatment of allergies &gt; 100 years ago. It is based on administration of allergen extracts and leads to the development of clinical allergen tolerance in selected patients.

According to current knowledge, AIT results in the restoration of immune tolerance toward the allergen of interest. It is mainly accompanied by the induction of regulatory and suppressive subsets of T and B cells, the production of IgG4 isotype allergen-specific blocking antibodies, and decreased inflammatory responses to allergens by effector cells in inflamed tissues.

Currently, AIT is mainly applied subcutaneously or sublingually and is suitable for both children and adults for pollen, pet dander, house dust mite, and venom allergies. It not only affects rhinoconjunctival symptoms but also has documented short- and long-term benefits in asthma treatment. Clinically, a fast onset of tolerance is achieved during desensitization, with a tolerable amount of side effects. The disease modification effect leads to decreased disease severity, less drug usage, prevention of future allergen sensitizations, and a long-term curative effect. Increasing safety while maintaining or even augmenting efficiency is the main goal of research for novel vaccine development and improvement of treatment schemes in AIT.

This article reviews the principles of allergen-specific immune tolerance development and the effects of AIT in the clinical context.

Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis syndromes.

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Both inherited and acquired immunodeficiency and chronic pulmonary disease predispose to the development of a variety of pulmonary syndromes in response to Aspergillus, a fungus that is ubiquitous in the environment. These syndromes include invasive aspergillosis, which is now recognized to occur in patients with critical illness without neutropenia and in those with mild degrees of immunosuppression, including from corticosteroid use in the setting of COPD.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis includes simple aspergilloma, which is occasionally complicated by life-threatening hemoptysis, and progressive destructive cavitary disease requiring antifungal therapy. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis occurs almost exclusively in patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Recent advances in each of these syndromes include a greater understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and hosts at risk; improved diagnostic algorithms; and the availability of more effective and well-tolerated therapies.

Improvement in outcomes for Aspergillus pulmonary syndromes requires that physicians recognize the varied and sometimes subtle presentations, be aware of populations at risk of illness, and institute potentially life-saving therapies early in the disease course.

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