Publications by authors named "Rachel N Asiniwasis"
Background: Topical corticosteroids are widely used as a treatment for itch and wheals (urticaria), but their benefits and harms are unclear.
Objective: To systematically synthesize the benefits and harms of topical corticosteroids for the treatment of urticaria.
Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from database inception to March 23, 2024, for randomized trials comparing topical corticosteroids with placebo for patients with urticaria (either chronic spontaneous or inducible urticaria or acute urticaria elicited from skin/intradermal allergy testing).
Background: The benefits and harms of adding antileukotrienes to H antihistamines (AHs) for the management of urticaria (hives, itch, and/or angioedema) remain unclear.
Objective: We sought to systematically synthesize the treatment outcomes of antileukotrienes in combination with AHs versus AHs alone for acute and chronic urticaria.
Methods: As part of updating American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters urticaria guidelines, we searched Medline, Embase, Central, LILACS, WPRIM, IBECS, ICTRP, CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, US Food and Drug Administration, and European Medicines Agency databases from inception to December 18, 2023, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating antileukotrienes and AHs versus AHs alone in patients with urticaria.
Background: Short courses of adjunctive systemic corticosteroids are commonly used to treat acute urticaria and chronic urticaria flares (both with and without mast cell-mediated angioedema), but their benefits and harms are unclear.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treating acute urticaria or chronic urticaria flares with versus without systemic corticosteroids.
Methods: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, and CBM databases from inception to July 8, 2023, for randomized controlled trials of treating urticaria with versus without systemic corticosteroids.
Article Synopsis
- The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology is updating its guidelines for managing atopic dermatitis (AD) due to advancements in treatment and evidence methods since the last update in 2012.
- A multidisciplinary panel, including AD specialists and patient representatives, created evidence-based guidelines emphasizing equity, diversity, and minimizing conflicts of interest while reviewing systematic evidence.
- The panel produced 25 recommendations to help manage AD and included practical implementation resources for patients, covering various treatment options like topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and more.
Article Synopsis
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin condition that causes inflammation and can be treated in different ways, but it's not always clear which treatments work best.
- Researchers looked at many studies to compare the benefits and risks of different treatments for AD.
- They found that some treatments, like high-dose upadacitinib, were very effective but also had more side effects, while others like dupilumab were safer but less powerful.
Article Synopsis
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread skin condition treated with various topical prescriptions, but their comparative effectiveness is not well known.
- A systematic review of randomized trials was conducted to evaluate the benefits and harms of topical treatments for AD, employing rigorous analysis and classification methods.
- High-certainty evidence showed that pimecrolimus and high-dose tacrolimus were highly effective, while group 5 topical corticosteroids (TCS) also significantly aided in managing AD without increasing harm.
Article Synopsis
- The study aims to synthesize patient and caregiver values and preferences in managing atopic dermatitis (AD) to aid the development of clinical guidelines by relevant allergy associations.* ! -
- A thorough review of numerous studies revealed that participants generally favor starting with nonmedical treatments and are concerned about side effects from medications, highlighting the importance of a strong patient-clinician relationship.* ! -
- Findings indicate that patients prefer treatments that are odorless, minimally visible, and have a low impact on daily activities, with a specific emphasis on relieving itching and burning sensations.* !
Article Synopsis
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is influenced by skin barrier issues, immune responses, and factors like allergens, but the specific role of environmental allergens in aggravating AD is not well understood.
- A study reviewed 23 randomized controlled trials to assess the benefits and harms of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) like subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual (SLIT) therapies for easing AD symptoms and improving quality of life (QoL).
- Results indicated that both SCIT and SLIT significantly improve AD severity and QoL but also lead to more adverse events, suggesting that while they can help manage symptoms, there are trade-offs to consider.
Dietary Elimination for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract
October 2022
Background: The influence of diet on atopic dermatitis (AD) is complex, and the use of dietary elimination as a treatment has conflicting views.
Objective: To systematically review the benefits and harms of dietary elimination for the treatment of AD.
Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to January 18, 2022, without language restrictions, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing dietary elimination and no dietary elimination for the treatment of AD.
Background: Bleach bathing is frequently recommended to treat atopic dermatitis (AD), but its efficacy and safety are uncertain.
Objective: To systematically synthesize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing bleach baths for AD.
Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and GREAT from inception to December 29, 2021, for RCTs assigning patients with AD to bleach vs no bleach baths.
Canadian Indigenous youth continue to face higher rates of health disparities than their non-Indigenous counterparts. In dermatology, this includes a high burden of atopic dermatitis, as well as secondary skin and soft tissue infections. Unfortunately, numerous barriers to treatment exist, including systemic and institutional racism, poverty, crowded housing conditions on reserves, access and cost of basic skin care regimens, and clean water access.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicrocystic adnexal carcinoma is a rare cutaneous neoplasm believed to arise from pluripotent keratinocytes capable of adnexal differentiation. Due to its insidious growth and appearance, diagnosis is often delayed. A deep incisional or excisional biopsy for histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosis.
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