Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment improves multiple neuropsychiatric outcomes in patients with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is defined by acute onset of diverse neuropsychiatric manifestations, presumably in the setting of underlying immune dysfunction We used standardized neuropsychological testing to assess how intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) impact neurological and cognitive functions in PANS patients by comparing pretreatment with post-treatment scores. A 5-year retrospective study was undertaken in Children's Postinfectious Autoimmune Encephalopathy Center at University of Arizona. We identified 12 children diagnosed with PANS and treated with immunomodulatory IVIG doses, who also completed neuropsychological testing before and after treatment.

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) Screening in Arizona: Lessons Learned from the First 2 Years.

Purpose: The incidence of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in the USA was reported as 1 in 58,000 live births. In Arizona, it was anticipated that newborn screening would identify two to four cases of SCID per year. This estimate did not consider ethnic nuances in Arizona, with higher percentages of Native American and Hispanic populations compared to national percentages.

Novel Mouse Models of Fungal Asthma.

is a ubiquitous fungus and a major allergen associated with the development of asthma. Inhalation of intact spores is the primary cause of human exposure to fungal allergen. However, allergen-rich cultured fungal filtrates are oftentimes used in the current models of fungal sensitization that do not fully reflect real-life exposures.

Alternaria induces airway epithelial cytokine expression independent of protease-activated receptor.

Background And Objective: A novel fungal allergen, Alternaria (Alt), has been previously shown to associate with the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Airway epithelial cells are among the first to encounter Alt, and epithelial cytokine production and subsequent airway inflammation are early events in the response to Alt exposure. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear.

Challenges in assessing the efficacy of systemic corticosteroids for severe wheezing episodes in preschool children.

This letter addresses the controversial issue of the use of oral corticosteroids during wheezing exacerbations in preschool-aged children by demonstrating findings of a prematurely terminated multi-center clinical trial, discussing lessons learned, and suggesting future directions.