Long-Acting Beta Agonist Formoterol as Rapid as AlbuterolBronchodilation is achieved as quickly with the long-acting beta agonist formoterol, given in combination with budesonide (Symbicort, AstraZeneca), as it is when combined with the short-acting beta agonist albuterol.
New Web-Based Asthma Assessment Tool Rolled Out at AAAAIAsthma-IQ is designed to help clinicians implement the new asthma guidelines, design care plans, and track patient status over time, as well as control healthcare costs.
Medscape Medical News, March 19, 2008
New C1 Esterase Inhibitor Is Highly Effective in Hereditary AngioedemaAn investigational C1 esterase inhibitor (Berinert, CSL Behring, King of Prussia, PA) is "highly effective and well tolerated" for the treatment of acute abdominal and facial attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE).
Reuters Health, March 19, 2008
Undiagnosed Primary Immunodeficiency Is a Major Healthcare BurdenThe annual cost of medical care for a patient with undiagnosed primary immunodeficiency syndrome is more than $40,000, investigators reported here at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Sting Taken Out of Allergy ShotsPhase 1 and 2 studies show that sublingual immunotherapy can induce protection against bee stings and peanut allergies.
Medscape Medical News, March 18, 2008
Mouse Allergen Doubles Asthma Risk Among Atopic IndividualsAtopic individuals who live in houses with high levels of mouse allergen are twice as likely to develop wheeze and other symptoms of asthma as those who live in houses with lower levels, investigators announced here at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Reuters Health, March 18, 2008
Acid-Blocking Therapy in Pregnancy Increases Infant's Asthma RiskAcid-blocking therapy during pregnancy increases the risk of asthma in the infant by more than 50%, researchers reported here during a late-breaking clinical trials session at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
New Anti-IL-5 Agent Cuts Need for Prednisone in Hypereosinophilic SyndromeThe investigational anti-interleukin-5 (anti-IL-5) monoclonal antibody mepolizumab (GlaxoSmithKline) caused a sharp drop in blood eosinophil count in nearly every patient with hypereosinophilic syndrome who received it. Mepolizumab also reduced the need for corticosteroids.
Reuters Health, March 17, 2008
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