Fatal hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an uncommon, non-IgE-mediated interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of a variety of organic dusts, most commonly from exposure at work or in the pursuit of hobbies. Typically, after the disease is recognized, the causative allergen or environment is identified and treatment initiated through avoidance measures and corticosteroids. Progression of the disease is then usually halted and even reversed.

Sensitization to common allergens in adults with asthma.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of atopy (ie, allergen sensitization) in a sample of adult asthma outpatients.

Methods: Population consisted of a total of 218 patients, 18 to 55 years of age, who were currently receiving care for asthma; and 13 physicians, whose specialties were Family Practice, Allergy, or Pulmonology and who were providing care to at least 10 to 15 asthma patients weekly. Patients provided a blood sample for quantification of total and allergen-specific IgE.

Economic impact and quality-of-life burden of allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis can be a debilitating condition which, if untreated, can result in considerable health-related and economic consequences. A review of the published literature was conducted, with quantitative/qualitative analysis as appropriate, to explore the direct, indirect, and hidden costs of allergic rhinitis, as well as the quality-of-life burdens that the disease presents to patients and to the healthcare system. Lack of treatment, undertreatment, or nonadherence to treatment in allergic rhinitis were seen to increase direct and indirect costs, reinforcing the need for patient education and for physicians to implement existing evidence-based guidelines for prevention and treatment.

Effectiveness of budesonide administered via dry-powder inhaler versus triamcinolone acetonide administered via pressurized metered-dose inhaler for adults with persistent asthma in managed care settings.

Background: Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and relative safety of inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of asthma. However, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness comparisons of available inhaled corticosteroids in real-life clinical settings are lacking.

Objective: This study compared the effectiveness and safety of budesonide administered via dry-powder inhaler versus that of triamcinolone acetonide administered via pressurized metered-dose inhaler in the treatment of adult patients with persistent asthma treated in a managed care setting.

Efficacy and safety of budesonide inhalation powder (Pulmicort Turbuhaler) during 52 weeks of treatment in adults and children with persistent asthma.

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids are the agents of choice for treating persistent asthma.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of budesonide inhalation powder (Pulmicort Turbuhaler) in patients with mild to severe persistent asthma.

Methods: Patients (n=1133) received open-label budesonide (dose range, 100-800 microg b.