Optimising the Utility of In Vitro Tests for the Diagnosis of Drug Allergy: Insights from a Clinical Perspective
AbstractPurpose of reviewTo outline currently validatedin vitro tests for the diagnosis of drug hypersensivity reactions (DHRs) and to provide useful strategies to optimise the utility of these tools.Recent findingsRegardingin vitro tests for DHR, the main concern, at present, is low sensitivity. Thus, most of the efforts are currently directed towards improving the existing techniques and developing new assays with better diagnostic performance.SummaryThe management of DHRs is particularly challenging. Current strategies for diagnosis are focused on taking a thorough clinical history, evaluating sensitization using skin t...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - July 11, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Use of Epicutaneous Tests in the Study of Drug Allergy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewEpicutaneous or patch tests (PT) are a common diagnostic tool in the study of adverse skin reactions related to the topical or systemic administration of different drugs. Frequently allergists and dermatologists are not accustomed to using this type of test in relation to its complexity (several days to perform it), availability of suitable materials and inexperience in its use. We will try with this publication to increase interest in PT in relation to delayed drug reactions.Recent FindingsKnowledge of the peculiarities of the different varieties of patch tests as well as the possible alternatives...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - July 5, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis
AbstractPurpose of reviewThe present article will describe the unique factors present in COVID-19 patients that predispose these individuals to develop mucormycosis with emphasis placed on the prevention and treatment of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM).Recent findingsViral specific factors, pre-existing diabetes mellitus, and COVID-19 treatments combine to facilitate the development of mucormycosis. There appears to be a gross overutilization of steroid and antibiotic therapy among COVID-19 patients. Appropriate stewardship of antibiotic and steroid therapy in conjunction with tight glucose control may prevent the d...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - July 4, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Acute and Chronic Urticaria Diagnosis and Management Taking into Account Their Differences
AbstractPurpose of reviewUrticaria is a frequent disorder that can present with erythema, edema, and pruritus involving the skin and mucous membranes. Early diagnosis and proper management of the urticaria according to the type (i.e., acute vs chronic) is of utmost importance to reduce the burden of the disease and prevent psychosocial comorbidities. In this review, we aim to summarize the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic urticaria with emphasis on the differences.Recent findingsAutoimmune mechanisms (type I or type IIb autoimmunity) have been recently defined in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticar...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - June 24, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Updates in the Role of Biologics in Asthma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to provide an update on the current biologic treatments available for severe asthma, focusing on the mechanism and clinical efficacy of each agent. Prior to the FDA approval for biologic agents, patients diagnosed with severe asthma frequently depended on the use of systemic steroids in order to control their disease. Since the introduction of first approved biologic for IgE-mediated asthma, other biologic agents surfaced and are now available for other asthma phenotypes.Recent FindingsIn addition to omalizumab, which targets IgE-mediated asthma, there are now multiple...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - June 20, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Food Allergy: Emerging Therapies
Abstract Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to discuss the current and emerging treatment options of food allergy.Recent FindingsThe mainstay of treatment for food allergy was traditionally avoidance and/or symptomatic antihistamine and adrenaline treatment depending on severity of symptoms. In the past two decades, allergen-specific immunotherapy and biologic therapies have emerged as treatment options to increase the threshold of reactivity to specific food allergens. Allergen-specific approaches include oral, sublingual, subcutaneous, and epicutaneous immunotherapy as well as DNA vaccines. Monoclonal ...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - May 31, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Drug-Induced Kounis Syndrome: Latest Novelties
This article reviews the literature on drug-induced KS from the last 5  years. Antibiotics and NSAIDs are the most frequently implicated drugs. In addition, data on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management are reviewed in detail. Highlight that there is a great deal of variability in the diagnosis and especially in the treatment of KS. This re view provides a valuable selection of practical resources for all stakeholders to support effective care for KS, from a cardiologic and allergologic point of view. Future research should focus on developing validated, evidence-based, and patient-centered too...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - May 30, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

The Role of Innate Immune Cells in Allergen Immunotherapy
Abstract   Purpose of reviewAllergic diseases have become a major health challenge across the world in recent years. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying therapy that can alter the natural course of allergic diseases. In this review, we aim to introduce the current study on innate immunity in AIT and the association between innate immune cells and the clinical efficacy of AIT briefly.Recent findingsAIT can induce long-term immune tolerance through induction of regulatory T cells, regulatory B cells, and inhibitory cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF- β, promotion of immunoglobulin class switching, and ...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - May 30, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Role of Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Asthma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSevere asthma can be difficult to manage. While not always indicated, bronchoscopy has a role in the diagnosis and management of asthma, particularly in ruling out other differential diagnoses. Additionally, the emergence of biologic therapies has changed the landscape for treating severe asthma, but bronchoscopic techniques such as bronchial thermoplasty (BT) may also play a role.Recent FindingsMore data has emerged regarding the longevity and efficacy of BT as well as in identifying ideal candidates. Other bronchoscopic techniques may also be useful in treating patients with severe asthma but mor...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - May 29, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Allergy Immunotherapy: State of the Art
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper is intended to review the current status of allergy immunotherapy (AIT), administered subcutaneously (SCIT) or sublingually (SLIT), for the treatment of allergic respiratory disease.Recent FindingsSystematic reviews and meta-analyses confirm the efficacy of SCIT for allergic rhinitis (AR), allergic asthma (AA), and for Hymenoptera venom sensitivity, while SLIT is clearly effective for AR, but the data is marginal for AA. An exception is the house dust mite SLIT-tablet which has reduced inhaled steroid use and asthma exacerbations and improved asthma control in placebo-controlled trials. ...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - May 6, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

The Role of Combat Zone Exposure in Development of Upper Airway Inflammatory Disease
AbstractPurpose of reviewSoldiers returning from deployment often complain of new-onset respiratory disease upon their return. It is known that exposure to higher levels of air pollution may occur while on deployment, and air pollution exposure has been identified as a risk factor for development of upper respiratory disease. The purpose of this review is to report findings from recent research regarding pollutant exposure and upper respiratory tract disease among military veterans.Recent findingsThe prevalence of both allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis is increased among deployed veterans compared to non-deploye...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - May 2, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Updates and Recent Advances on Venom Immunotherapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewVenom immunotherapy has been utilized to treat Hymenoptera venom allergy since the 1920s. Over the last century, significant advances in the fields of immunology and genetics have led to improvements in the practice of venom immunotherapy. This review encompasses recent advances in the use of venom immunotherapy to provide precise, patient-centered care.Recent FindingsResearch about the mechanism of action of venom immunotherapy continues to highlight the modification of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Molecular techniques have allowed for the identification of specific venom allerg...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - April 29, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Updates in the Classification of Fungal Sinusitis
AbstractPurpose of reviewThis review aims to present the current classification schema for fungal rhinosinusitis, highlight current topics of interest, and identify potential areas for improvement and further research.Recent findingsThere have been recent concerns that the allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) criteria may be too stringent, leading to missed diagnoses. Additionally, many individual components of the AFRS criteria are non-specific. A “subacute” or “intermediate” category for invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS) has been proposed in addition to acute and chronic classifications. A new “microinvasive” ...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - April 19, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Dance Is a Healing Art
Opinion StatementThe purpose of this review is to evaluate the health benefits of dance and dance therapy in various health domains. Dance interventions included movement therapy with certified therapists, common dances such as ballroom dancing, salsa, and cha-cha as well as ethnic dances, such as the Chinese Guozhuang Dance and the Native American jingle dance. The health domains included depression, cognitive function, neuromotor function, dementia, balance, neurological growth factors, and subjective well-being. The National Library of Medicine, Congress of Library, and the Internet were searched using the terms: dance,...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - April 10, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research

Asthma Exacerbations in Severe Asthma: Why Systemic Corticosteroids May not Always Be the Best Treatment Option
AbstractPurposeAdvances in the management of severe, eosinophilic asthma have improved, but asthma exacerbations continue to occur. This review aims to look at the evidence we have about why exacerbations may occur; their phenotype and why oral corticosteroids may not always be the best treatment option for all exacerbation of symptoms in individuals with severe asthma.Recent findingsStudies dating back to the 1990s showed that asthma exacerbations across the spectrum of asthma severity were of different inflammatory endotypes. In addition, there is a wealth of evidence suggesting that eosinophilic inflammation is very res...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - February 25, 2023 Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research