Persistent elevation of peripheral blood myeloid cell counts associated with omalizumab therapy.

Purpose: A case of persistent hematologic abnormalities in a patient receiving long-term omalizumab therapy for severe asthma is reported.

Summary: During the course of her treatment at an asthma clinic, a 24-year-old woman was noted to have increased white blood cell counts, with elevated myeloid cell counts; the blood abnormalities were first documented more than 12 months previously. The woman had been taking omalizumab for more than 2 years and was also receiving immune globulin therapy for common variable immunodeficiency.

Healthy diet in Canadians of low socioeconomic status with coronary heart disease: Not just a matter of knowledge and choice.

People of low socioeconomic status (SES) are prone to premature coronary heart disease (CHD) and tend to have more risk factors and worse health and mortality. Yet, little is understood about the specific challenges faced by people of low SES with CHD in changing behavior around the consumption of dietary risk factors, such as salt, fat, and cholesterol, and adding heart-healthy foods, such as fruit, vegetables, lean meat, and fish. The aim of this study was to understand factors promoting and reducing willingness and capacity to consume a healthy diet in people of low SES with CHD.