Daclizumab improves asthma control in patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma: a randomized, controlled trial.

Rationale: Airway inflammation in asthma is associated with increased activated CD25(+) T cells, IL-2, and soluble IL-2 receptors (IL-2Rs).

Objectives: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of daclizumab, a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody against the IL-2R alpha chain (CD25) of activated lymphocytes, in adults with moderate to severe persistent asthma.

Methods: Patients with obstructive pulmonary functions, despite inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), were switched to equivalent dose inhaled triamcinolone acetate acetonide (TAA).

Effective dose range of mometasone furoate nasal spray in the treatment of acute rhinosinusitis.

Background: Mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) 400 microg, twice daily, as adjunctive treatment with oral antibiotic significantly improved symptoms of recurrent rhinosinusitis.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MFNS 200 microg, twice daily, and 400 microg, twice daily, compared with placebo as adjunctive treatment with oral antibiotic for acute rhinosinusitis.

Methods: In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 967 outpatients with computed tomographic scan-confirmed moderate to severe rhinosinusitis received amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (Augmentin, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC) 875 mg, twice daily, for 21 days with adjunctive twice daily MFNS 200 microg, MFNS 400 microg, or placebo nasal spray.

Natural rubber latex allergy in the occupational setting.

Over the last decade, the prevalence of natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy has reached epidemic proportions among workers who use or who are exposed to powdered latex products. NRL-associated occupational asthma is confined largely to those exposed to powdered latex glove use or other latex aerosols. The most frequent presenting symptom of NRL allergy is contact urticaria; inhalation may cause symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Natural rubber latex allergy after 12 years: recommendations and perspectives.

Natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy is a "new" illness whose prevalence reached epidemic proportions in highly exposed populations during the last decade. In children with spina bifida and in patients exposed to NRL during radiologic procedures, institution of prophylactic safety measures has had demonstrable effects in preventing allergic reactions. The risk of NRL allergy appears to be largely linked to occupational exposure, and NRL-associated occupational asthma is due almost solely to powdered latex glove use.

Passive dispersion of latex aeroallergen in a healthcare facility.

Background: Prompted by worsening asthma in a dental assistant with latex allergy and occupational asthma while under personal latex precautions, we confirmed continuing latex aeroallergen exposure.

Objectives: To determine the source of latex aeroallergen and ascertain the effects of site-wide substitution of nonpowdered low allergen latex glove in a health care site.

Methods: Using a volumetric sampler, baseline latex aeroallergen levels were measured in rooms where she worked and nearby rooms, as well as shared X-ray, laboratory, and waiting rooms.