Improved outcomes on subcutaneous IgG in patients with humoral immunodeficiency and co-morbid bowel disease.

Immunoglobulin replacement can be life-saving for certain individuals with immunodeficiencies. Subcutaneous IgG (SCIG) is an increasingly used method of replacement over intravenous IgG (IVIG), with potential advantages including fewer systemic side effects, no need for IV access, patient-reported improved quality of life, and decreased cost. However, while patients with certain associated co-morbidities, such as protein-losing enteropathy, may demonstrate more stable IgG levels when on SCIG compared to IVIG, the clinical significance of these experiences is not well described.

Incidence and impact of adverse effects to antibiotics in hospitalized adults with pneumonia.

Background: This study sought to define the incidence, economic impact, and nature of adverse drug effects (ADEs) related to antibiotics in pneumonia hospitalizations in the US.

Methods: Adult pneumonia hospitalizations were tabulated in statewide (New York) and national databases, respectively, from 2000 through 2005. The incidences of antibiotic related ADEs were determined by identifying antibiotic specific e-codes (external cause of injury codes).

Increasing anaphylaxis hospitalizations in the first 2 decades of life: New York State, 1990 -2006.

Background: Although an increase in the occurrence of anaphylaxis has been reported in several parts of the world, this phenomenon has not been described in the United States.

Objective: To characterize anaphylaxis hospitalizations in New York State in patients younger than 20 years.

Methods: Using a statewide administrative database, hospital admissions of patients with an allergic disease (anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, and allergy unspecified) as the primary diagnosis were analyzed from 1990 through 2006 in New York State.

Increasing hospitalizations due to angioedema in the United States.

Background: Angioedema may occur in patients taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. With the more prevalent use of this class of medications in the United States, it is not known whether angioedema hospitalizations have increased nationally in recent years.

Objectives: To profile the trends in angioedema hospitalizations and to examine associated demographic factors and comorbid diseases in the United States.