J Natl Med Assoc
-
Outcome differences driven by variation in Blacks' biologic response to treatment may contribute to persistent racial disparities in asthma morbidity and mortality. This review assessed systematic variation in β2 agonist treatment outcomes among Blacks compared to other groups. ⋯ Evidence suggests the potential for differences in β2 agonist outcomes among Blacks compared with other groups. This literature, however, remains small and significantly underpowered for substantive conclusions. There are notable opportunities for adequately-powered investigations exploring safety and efficacy of β2 agonists among Blacks, including pharmacogenomic modifiers of response.
-
Outcome differences driven by variation in Blacks' biologic response to treatment may contribute to persistent racial disparities in asthma morbidity and mortality. This review assessed systematic variation in β2 agonist treatment outcomes among Blacks compared to other groups. ⋯ Evidence suggests the potential for differences in β2 agonist outcomes among Blacks compared with other groups. This literature, however, remains small and significantly underpowered for substantive conclusions. There are notable opportunities for adequately-powered investigations exploring safety and efficacy of β2 agonists among Blacks, including pharmacogenomic modifiers of response.
-
Chronic pruritus dramatically disrupts quality of life, impairs sleep, and is difficult to treat. The pathogenesis and severity of chronic itch can vary significantly with race. Black skin has inherent structural and molecular characteristics that exacerbates pruritus, leading to unique presentations of pruritic conditions and added challenges in finding effective therapies. The aim of this review is to discuss structural variances in black skin, the subsequent epidemiological disparities in chronic pruritic conditions, and clinical management pearls for the management of itch in black patients. ⋯ Pruritus and chronic pruritus disorders disproportionately affects black patients. Management of pruritus of special importance in black patients includes low pH skin care products to protect the skin barrier along with emollients to diminish trans-epidermal water loss. Further mechanistic studies are needed to characterize racial differences in biomarkers and therapeutic targets of chronic itch.
-
Black enslaved women endured sexual exploitation and reproductive manipulation to produce a labor workforce on the southern plantations during the Antebellum Period. Health care inequity has continued from slavery and into the 21th century primarily due of racial segregation, poverty, access, poor quality of care, eugenics and the assault of forced sterilizations. Racial disparity in maternal and infant mortality is an outcome rooted in racial injustice, social and economic determinants as well as the stresses during pregnancy throughout the generations of Black births. Affordable, available, quality and equitable care and narrowing the economic gap for Black women and families is the most significant barrier in combating racial disparity in perinatal health outcomes and health inequity.