The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice
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J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract · Jan 2019
ReviewBronchial Thermoplasty: A Decade of Experience: State of the Art.
Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) delivers targeted radiofrequency energy to bronchial airway walls and results in the partial ablation of the airway smooth muscle that is responsible for bronchoconstriction. It is approved for the treatment of severe persistent asthma. ⋯ In this article, we review the state of the art of BT treatment in severe persistent asthma and share a decade of BT research and clinical experience. We share our personal experience and introduce the three "I"s (identification, implementation, and intense follow-up) that we believe promote successful patient outcomes and help build a successful BT program.
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J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract · Jan 2019
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyReslizumab Compared with Benralizumab in Patients with Eosinophilic Asthma: A Systematic Literature Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
The interaction of IL-5 with its receptor on eosinophils increases the activation and maintenance of eosinophils; blocking this interaction reduces asthma symptoms in patients with the eosinophilic phenotype. Reslizumab, which binds to IL-5, and benralizumab, which targets the IL-5 receptor α subunit, have not been compared in head-to-head trials. ⋯ This indirect comparison suggests that reslizumab may be more efficacious than benralizumab in patients with eosinophilic asthma in Global Initiative for Asthma step 4/5 with elevated blood eosinophil levels (benralizumab, ≥300/μL; reslizumab, ≥400/μL) and 2 or more exacerbations in the previous year.
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J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract · Jan 2019
ReviewControversies in Drug Allergy: Radiographic Contrast Media.
The risk for developing immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reactions to radiocontrast media (RCM) interferes with the diagnosis and treatment of a number of patients requiring imaging diagnostic methods for many common diseases. A group of experts met in Orlando, Florida, in March 2018 to analyze the similarities and differences in the management of RCM reactions in different areas of the world. This paper presents a summary of the recommendations provided by this consensus group, highlighting controversial issues and unmet needs that require further research.