Type 2 asthma paediatric patients eligible for dupilumab: An Italian biomarker-based analysis.

Background: Type 2 inflammation is the principal determinant of asthma in children, and it leads to the downstream activation of eosinophils (EOS), the production of immunoglobulin-E (IgE), and increased levels of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Dupilumab received the approval for the treatment of uncontrolled severe Type 2 asthma in children.

Objective: The aim of this analysis was to calculate the Type 2 severe asthma paediatric population who would be eligible for treatment with dupilumab in Italy and characterize them by expected biomarker status.

Point-of-care blood eosinophil count in a severe asthma clinic setting.

Background: One of the main severe asthma phenotypes is severe eosinophilic or eosinophilic refractory asthma for which novel biologic agents are emerging as therapeutic options. In this context, blood eosinophil counts are one of the most reliable biomarkers.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of a point-of-care peripheral blood counter in a patients with severe asthma.

Vitamin D deficiency and exercise-induced laryngospasm in young competitive rowers.

Exercise-induced dyspnea is common among adolescents and young adults and often originates from exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Sometimes, dyspnea corresponds to exercise-induced laryngospasm (EILO), which is a paradoxical decrease in supraglottic/glottic area. Vitamin D deficiency, which occurs frequently at northern latitudes, might favor laryngospasm by impairing calcium transport and slowing striate muscle relaxation.

Bronchodilator response as a marker of poor asthma control.

Background: Asthma guidelines emphasise the importance of monitoring disease control in managing asthma.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between lung function, including bronchodilator response in terms of improving in FEV1 after administration of salbutamol, and asthma control.

Methods: 246 patients with known asthma and in regular chronic treatment according to international guidelines were consecutively enrolled in a 12 month-period.

High prevalence of Anisakis simplex hypersensitivity and allergy in Sicily, Italy.

Background: Anisakis simplex can elicit allergic reactions when ingested in raw or marinated fish. The prevalence of A simplex hypersensitivity and allergy in Sicily (Italy), an area where the consumption of raw or marinated fish is very common, has not been investigated thus far.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of A simplex sensitization and its clinical relevance in a large group of unselected patients.