Treatment of Acute Asthma.

J Asthma. 2011 May 18;

Authors: Chipps B

PMID: 21591839 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Safety of Parecoxib in Asthmatic Patients with Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease.

Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2011 May 19;156(2):221-223

Authors: Valero A, Sánchez-López J, Bartra J, Serrano C, Muñoz-Cano R, Roca J, Picado C

Background: Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) affects a subset of patients with asthma. Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors are a safe alternative in patients with AERD. Parecoxib is the first cyclooxygenase 2 selective drug for parenteral administration, especially useful after surgery thanks to its analgesic power. The aim of the study is to assess the tolerance of parecoxib (Dynastat®; Pfizer) given by intramuscular route in patients with AERD. Methods: Patients evaluated were referred to the Pneumology and Respiratory Allergy Department of the Hospital Clinic (Barcelona, Spain) for asthma exacerbations precipitated by 2 or more different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). AERD was confirmed by a nasal challenge test with aspirin. Patients were challenged with parecoxib, and urine samples were collected to measure the leukotriene E(4) concentration. Results: Ten patients were challenged with parecoxib. No symptoms were reported with any of the administered doses, and there were no signs of immediate or delayed hypersensitivity. There were no alterations in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s or in acoustic rhinometry measurements. No significant differences between leukotriene E(4) levels were detected. Conclusion: The drug was well tolerated by all patients, with no adverse reactions. This lack of reactions found in our study supports the fact that parecoxib could be a safe alternative in postsurgery analgesia in NSAID-intolerant asthma patients.

PMID: 21597303 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[Allergen specific immunotherapy: review of new perspectives].

Rev Med Suisse. 2011 Apr 20;7(291):850-5

Authors: Gaillard J, Bart PA, Leimgruber A, Spertini F

Allergic diseases constitute a health problem worldwide. More than just a treatment option, the classical desensitization (SIT--Specific immunotherapy) by subcutaneous injection has profiled over time as a unique approach, able to attenuate the immune response to allergic stimuli proved. For a long time conservative, desensitization has now progressed in the knowledge of allergens, in the understanding of the mechanisms involved in immune response and in production techniques. From recombinants to alternative routes of allergen delivery, this article gives an overview of new perspectives and assesses SIT in order to provide guidance to the general physician before choosing to initiate such treatment or not in patients with respiratory allergy.

PMID: 21598725 [PubMed - in process]

[What to expect from novel generation of allergy test?].

Rev Med Suisse. 2011 Apr 20;7(291):856-9

Authors: Spertini F, Leimgruber A, Bart PA

Diagnosis in allergology is facing novel challenges because of the availability not only of purified or recombinant allergens, but also of multitests such as allergen micro-arrays. These new diagnostic opportunities contribute to a better understanding of crossreactivities between respiratory and food allergens. In comparison to current diagnosis based on whole allergen extracts, this novel generation of specific IgE tests is expected to provide better information on the risk of reaction to allergens as well as on its severity. However these new technologies are expensive, and will have to be carefully analyzed in terms of medical usefulness and public health costs.

PMID: 21598726 [PubMed - in process]