Allergy and asthma proceedings :
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Allergy Asthma Proc · Nov 2010
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyNebulized dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulfate improves asthma control in the moderate-to-severe asthma results of a 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Inhaled dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulfate (DHEAS), but not dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), possesses anti-inflammatory activity in in vitro assays and in models of allergen and lipopolysaccharide challenges. We postulated whether an inhaled suspension of DHEAS delivered via nebulizer would improve asthma control in moderate-to-severe asthma patients. We also characterized the safety profile of an inhaled suspension of DHEAS. ⋯ AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY ANZCTR. ORG. AU IDENTIFIER: 012607000192482.
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Allergy Asthma Proc · Sep 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialEfficacy of omalizumab in cat-allergic patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma.
Cat allergen (Fel d 1) is a pervasive and common trigger of exacerbations in sensitized patients with IgE-mediated asthma. This study was designed to evaluate the effect on asthma-related outcome measures of adding omalizumab to current treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma and cat allergen sensitivity. A pooled analysis was conducted of two double-blind, placebo-controlled, 28-week pivotal U. ⋯ Compared with placebo, omalizumab treatment led to significantly lower asthma symptom scores (least squares means (LSMs) treatment difference [95% confidence interval {CI}]: -0.57 [-0.77, -0.37]; p < 0.001), less rescue medication use (LSMs treatment difference [95% CI]: -0.75 puffs of rescue beta-agonist per day [-1.04, -0.46]; p < 0.001), and improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (LSMs treatment difference [95% CI]: 100.84 mL [51.86, 149.81]; p < 0.001). Patient and investigator global evaluations of treatment effectiveness paralleled these outcomes. Omalizumab improved asthma control by reducing exacerbations and decreasing symptoms in cat-allergic patients with moderate-to-severe persistent IgE-mediated asthma.
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Allergy Asthma Proc · Jul 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialA new protocol for specific oral tolerance induction in children with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy.
IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) is a heavy burden for patients, particularly for children and their families. Allergen avoidance represents the only therapeutic option, but oral desensitization protocols have been suggested. Because of the long duration and complexity of these protocols we examined the feasibility of an oral tolerance induction protocol using a weekly up-dosing schedule. ⋯ One patient achieved a partial tolerance (64 mL of milk). The three control children receiving placebo still showed a positive food challenge at the end of the study. A weekly up-dosing oral tolerance induction could be a viable alternative to traditional protocols for children with IgE-mediated CMA.
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Allergy Asthma Proc · May 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of the inhaled corticosteroid mometasone on small airway patency in patients with asthma.
The inflammation in asthma involves both the large and the small airways. This study was designed to examine whether mometasone delivered from a dry powder inhaler would improve those parameters thought to reflect patency and obstruction of the small airways (diameter <2 mm). Subjects with mild to moderate asthma, only receiving short-acting beta-agonists, underwent baseline assessment, and then were randomized to receive for 12 weeks either mometasone 400 micrograms once daily in the evening or matching placebo. ⋯ M. and P. M. peak expiratory flows, and albuterol use. Mometasone delivered by a dry powder inhaler improved asthma control and pulmonary function in tests reflecting both large and small airways.
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Allergy Asthma Proc · Nov 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyComparison of traditional and abbreviated salbutamol aerosol therapy using a new spacer mouth mask.
Abbreviated aerosol therapy has been suggested to increase compliance by delivering the same therapeutic dose, but more rapidly than traditional aerosol therapy. A new spacer mouth mask, which is recommended for use in abbreviated aerosol therapy, is now available in Italy. The aim of this study was to compare traditional and abbreviated salbutamol aerosol therapy in 30 asthmatic children using the new spacer mouth mask. ⋯ The amount of drug available to patients in group A was approximately 768 microg, whereas 176 microg was available to those in group B. The FEV(1) increased in all patients and there was no difference in the degree of improvement between the groups (p < 0.05). The results indicate equivalent bronchodilatation between abbreviated and traditional aerosol therapy but because abbreviated therapy takes less time, it may improve compliance.