Effects of cigarette smoke on methacholine- and AMP-induced air trapping in asthmatics.

Unlabelled: Abstract Objective: No information is available on the effect of cigarette smoke on bronchoconstrictor-induced air trapping in asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the additional influence of smoking on methacholine- and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-induced air trapping in subjects with asthma.

Methods: Airway responsiveness to methacholine and AMP, bronchial (J'awNO) and alveolar (CANO) nitric oxide (NO) and exhaled breath condensate pH were measured in 68 adults (23 current smokers with asthma, 23 non-smokers with asthma and 22 current or former smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; COPD).

Adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids in funded and nonfunded studies.

Background: Evidence regarding the safety profile of drugs may vary depending on study sponsorship. We aimed to evaluate differences between studies funded by the pharmaceutical manufacturer of the drug (PF) and those with no pharmaceutical funding (NoPF) regarding the finding and interpretation of adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids.

Methods: We assessed the safety reporting of inhaled corticosteroids in 275 PF and 229 NoPF studies identified by a MEDLINE search using prespecified criteria.

Effect of fluticasone propionate-salmeterol therapy on seasonal changes in airway responsiveness and exhaled nitric oxide levels in patients with pollen-induced asthma.

Background: There has been concern that in allergic asthmatic patients there might be an interactive effect on inflammation between regular salmeterol use and exposure to allergens, resulting in increased airway responsiveness.

Objective: To determine the effects of salmeterol on allergen-induced changes in airway responsiveness and exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) levels in allergic asthmatic patients concomitantly taking inhaled corticosteroids.

Methods: Forty-two asthmatic patients sensitized to pollen allergens were randomly allocated to treatment with fluticasone propionate-salmeterol (n=21) or fluticasone propionate alone (n=21).

Influence of the type of operations on the development of latex sensitization in children with myelomeningocele.

Background: A genetic tendency to develop latex IgE responses in children with spina bifida has been suggested, but their degree of exposure to latex as well as the route and chronology for sensitization can be different from those of other children with multiple surgeries. The aim was to study the influence of the type of operation on the development of latex sensitization in children with myelomeningocele.

Methods: In 90 children with myelomeningocele operated with latex, data were collected about age, sex, family, and personal history of allergy, serum total IgE, presence of a ventricular-peritoneal (v-p) shunt, and number and duration of operations, classified as urological, orthopedic, on the v-p shunt, other neurosurgical, and others.

Phenol-containing saline solution as a diluent for adenosine 5'-monophosphate in bronchial challenge testing.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of dissolving adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) with phenol-containing saline solution on the stability and the bronchoconstrictive properties of this indirect agonist.

Methods: Eleven subjects with asthma well controlled with short-acting inhaled beta2-agonists as required or with inhaled corticosteroids were studied. Bronchial challenge tests with AMP dissolved with either normal saline solution or saline solution containing 0.

Complement component C7 deficiency in two Spanish families.

Different genetic mutations have been described in complement component C7 deficiency, a molecular defect clinically associated with an increased susceptibility to neisserial recurrent infections. In this work we report the genetic basis of C7 deficiency in two different Spanish families (family 1 and family 2). In family 1, of Gypsy ethnical background, exon-specific polymerase chain reaction and sequencing revealed a not previously described single base deletion of nucleotide 1309 (exon 10) in the patient, as well as in her father, leading to a stop codon that causes the premature truncation of the C7 protein (K416 X 419).

Airway responsiveness to adenosine 5'-monophosphate and exhaled nitric oxide measurements: predictive value as markers for reducing the dose of inhaled corticosteroids in asthmatic subjects.

Objectives: To investigate the utility of the determination of airway responsiveness to inhaled adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) and exhaled nitric oxide (ENO) levels as markers for safely reducing the dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in patients with asthma well controlled with a moderately high ICS dose.

Methods: A total of 37 patients with asthma well controlled for at least 3 months by treatment with a moderately high ICS dose (beclomethasone dipropionate, 500 to 1,000 microg or equivalent daily) were included in the study. Patients were treated for a 2-week run-in (baseline) period with their usual dose of ICS.

Efficacy of latex avoidance for primary prevention of latex sensitization in children with spina bifida.

Over 6 years, the prevalence of latex sensitization fell from 4/15 (26.7%) to 1/22 (4.5%) in children with spina bifida treated in a latex-free environment from birth compared with historic controls.