Asthma management in a specialist setting: Results of an Italian Respiratory Society survey.

Background: Asthma considerably impairs patients' quality of life and increases healthcare costs. Severity, morbidity, and degree of disease control are the major drivers of its clinical and economic impact. National scientific societies are required to monitor the application of international guidelines and to adopt strategies to improve disease control and better allocate resources.

Validation of PDGFRbeta and c-Src tyrosine kinases as tumor/vessel targets in patients with multiple myeloma: preclinical efficacy of the novel, orally available inhibitor dasatinib.

Inhibition of multiple myeloma (MM) plasma cells in their permissive bone marrow microenvironment represents an attractive strategy for blocking the tumor/vessel growth associated with the disease progression. However, target specificity is an essential aim of this approach. Here, we identified platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-receptor beta (PDGFRbeta) and pp60c-Src as shared constitutively activated tyrosine-kinases (TKs) in plasma cells and endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from MM patients (MMECs).

Safety of parecoxib in patients with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced urticaria or angioedema.

Background: Parecoxib is the first injectable cyclooxygenase 2 selective inhibitor indicated for the treatment of acute postoperative pain.

Objective: To describe the results of a challenge with parecoxib in patients with a history of urticaria or angioedema to 1 or more nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Methods: The study was performed from October 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007, with 79 patients who historically had experienced urticaria or angioedema after use of NSAIDs.

Short-term tolerability of etoricoxib in patients with cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Background: Etoricoxib is a novel cyclooxygenase 2 selective inhibitor. Until now, there has not been information in the literature about its tolerability in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Objective: To determine the short-term tolerability of etoricoxib in patients with a history of cutaneous adverse reactions to NSAIDs.

Short-term and long-term tolerability of rofecoxib in patients with prior reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Background: Rofecoxib is a selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor and is well tolerated as an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with a previous adverse reaction to other classes of NSAIDs. Until now, there has not been information in the literature about its long-term tolerability.

Objective: To provide follow-up data on patients with a history of adverse cutaneous reactions to NSAIDs who underwent and tolerated a challenge test with rofecoxib.

A discussion of natural rubber latex allergy with special reference to children: clinical considerations.

Latex allergy is an increasingly common condition, because the use of latex products is widespread. Three types of reactions can occur in persons using natural latex rubber products: 1) Irritant contact dermatitis, 2) Allergic contact dermatitis, 3) and Type I hypersensitivity. Children's subpopulations at particular risk include: atopics, individuals with spina bifida, or individuals who required frequent surgical instrumentations.

Atopy and risk factors for latex sensitization in a selected population.

The value of recommending latex allergy screening in allergy departments of the Army's Hospital was studied. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether atopy was a risk factor for latex sensitization in a specific population such as the young male soldiers of the Italian Army. The study was also aimed to assess the role of other risk factors.

Drug-induced aseptic meningitis.

Aseptic meningitis is a rare but well-recognized complication of drug therapy. The clinical presentation of drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) is distinct. Symptoms typically include fever, neck stiffness, headache, confusion, nausea and vomiting.

Occupational irritant and allergic contact dermatitis among healthcare workers.

Contact dermatitis is the most frequent occupational dermatosis and non-specific irritants in addition to specific Type IV sensitization are involved. We reviewed our database for data from 1994 to 1998 and selected 360 consecutive patients working in healthcare environments and experiencing contact dermatitis at their hands, wrists and forearms. We found that allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis were considered to be work-related in 16.

Reported latex allergy in dental patients.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to alert doctors of dental surgery to the possibility of latex sensitivity in both outpatients and inpatients.

Study Design: The study involved 2 groups: group A was composed of 21 subjects with a history of immediate reaction in dental environment; group B was composed of 24 healthy individuals. Patients underwent skin prick tests with common inhalant allergens, with latex cross-reacting foods, with a commercial extract of non-ammoniated latex, and the incremental challenge test with local anesthetics.