Biologics and Small Molecule Inhibitors: an Update in Therapies for Allergic and Immunologic Skin Diseases
This article evaluates recent literature on biologics and small molecule inhibitors for AD and psoriasis. (Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports)
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - November 8, 2022 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Narrative Review of the Role of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Inhaler Handling Errors in the Control of Asthma and COPD
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAsthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic respiratory diseases that remain uncontrolled in many patients, despite the wide range of therapeutic options available. This review analyzes the available clinical evidence on 3 budesonide/formoterol DPI devices, Spiromax®, Turbuhaler®, and Easyhaler®, in terms of patient-reported outcomes (PROs), inhaler errors, and asthma and COPD control.Recent FindingsThe effectiveness of dry powder inhalers (DPI) depends largely on the device and the patient ’s inhaler technique. Equally important are the patient’s perception of the in...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - November 1, 2022 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

The Role of T Helper Type 2 (Th2) Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (eGPA): an Illustrative Case and Discussion
AbstractPurposeof ReviewThe pathogenesis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (eGPA) is driven largely by CD4  + type 2 helper T cells (Th2), B cells, and eosinophils. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are critical cytokines in Th2 cell–mediated inflammation; however, inhibition of IL-4 and IL-13 does not reduce serum eosinophil counts and has even been associated with hypereosinophilia. This review explor es the role of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in Th2-mediated inflammation to consider the potential clinical consequences of inhibiting these individual cytokines in eGPA.Recent FindingsTreatments for eosinophilic g...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - November 1, 2022 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Current Approaches to Diagnosis and Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is an important cause of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and has specific diagnostic and therapeutic considerations. With advances in imaging techniques and treatment approaches, the approach to monitoring disease progression and management of CS continues to evolve. The purpose of this review is to highlight advances in CS diagnosis and treatment and present a center ’s multidisciplinary approach to CS care.Recent FindingsIn this review, we highlight advances in granuloma biology along with contemporary diagnostic approaches. Moreover, we expand on current targets of immunos...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - October 29, 2022 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Adverse Reactions to Biologic Medications Used in Allergy and Immunology Diseases
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe use of biologic therapies has risen exponentially over recent years, allowing for unprecedented disease control within numerous areas of Allergy/Immunology. With this expanded use, awareness and understanding of adverse reactions to biologic agents have also increased.Recent FindingsMultiple biologic adverse reaction phenotypes have been described, but significant overlap in clinical features across phenotypes exists. Given considerable phenotypic overlap, a targeted testing approach may not always be clear, and more recent classifications focus on management decision making using tools of diag...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - October 28, 2022 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Nature with Nurture: the Role of Intrinsic Genetic and Extrinsic Environmental Factors on Eosinophilic Esophagitis
We present and critically evaluate the working hypotheses and supportive studies thus far on environmental factors on EoE, describe sources of potential bias in diagnosis due to socioeconomic factors and thus undermining studies of EoE etiology, and highlight opportunities for future research.SummaryAs genetics alone do not explain the rapid rise of EoE, we must look to environmental, or extrinsic, factors both in the early-life period which shape the development of the gut microbiome, as well as later life contributing to diagnosis of this new disease. Future etiologic studies linking risk factors to EoE development in in...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - October 3, 2022 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Is Icatibant Safe for the Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema During Pregnancy?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHereditary angioedema (HAE) is a disorder affecting bradykinin regulation presenting as recurrent cutaneous or mucosal swelling. Treatment options include plasma-derived or human-recombinant C1-inhibitor, icatibant, or ecallantide. Due to the lack of knowledge and experience on the topic, the treatment of choice in pregnancy is plasma-derived C1-inhibitor, and reporting any new experience is recommended. This review presents current guidelines for HAE treatment with a focus on pregnancy and reviews all experience with icatibant use during pregnancy.Recent FindingsOur experience of treating a pregna...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - October 1, 2022 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

The Role of T Helper Type 2 (Th2) Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (eGPA): an Illustrative Case and Discussion
AbstractPurposeof ReviewThe pathogenesis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (eGPA) is driven largely by CD4  + type 2 helper T cells (Th2), B cells, and eosinophils. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are critical cytokines in Th2 cell–mediated inflammation; however, inhibition of IL-4 and IL-13 does not reduce serum eosinophil counts and has even been associated with hypereosinophilia. This review explor es the role of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in Th2-mediated inflammation to consider the potential clinical consequences of inhibiting these individual cytokines in eGPA.Recent FindingsTreatments for eosinophilic g...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - September 14, 2022 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Narrative Review of the Role of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Inhaler Handling Errors in the Control of Asthma and COPD
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAsthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic respiratory diseases that remain uncontrolled in many patients, despite the wide range of therapeutic options available. This review analyzes the available clinical evidence on 3 budesonide/formoterol DPI devices, Spiromax®, Turbuhaler®, and Easyhaler®, in terms of patient-reported outcomes (PROs), inhaler errors, and asthma and COPD control.Recent FindingsThe effectiveness of dry powder inhalers (DPI) depends largely on the device and the patient ’s inhaler technique. Equally important are the patient’s perception of the in...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - September 10, 2022 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Is Icatibant Safe for the Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema During Pregnancy?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHereditary angioedema (HAE) is a disorder affecting bradykinin regulation presenting as recurrent cutaneous or mucosal swelling. Treatment options include plasma-derived or human-recombinant C1-inhibitor, icatibant, or ecallantide. Due to the lack of knowledge and experience on the topic, the treatment of choice in pregnancy is plasma-derived C1-inhibitor, and reporting any new experience is recommended. This review presents current guidelines for HAE treatment with a focus on pregnancy and reviews all experience with icatibant use during pregnancy.Recent FindingsOur experience of treating a pregna...
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - August 31, 2022 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research