Absence Of Asthma Research Articles

Socioeconomic and Health Determinants of the Prevalence of COVID-19 in a Population of Children with Respiratory Diseases and Symptoms.

Most epidemiological studies indicate that bronchial asthma is not a risk factor for COVID-19, but previous analyses have not additionally focused on the socioeconomic determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory symptoms. This research aimed to investigate the correlation between the socioeconomic status of families and the prevalence of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory symptoms in children, in addition to exploring their association with the prevalence of COVID-19. The study involved a cross-sectional epidemiological investigation conducted in 2022, encompassing 2454 students from elementary schools in Poland. The parents of the students completed a questionnaire modeled after the International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Socioeconomic status (SES) indicators were determined based on parental education, self-reported economic status, and housing conditions. To assess the impact of social factors and health on the occurrence of COVID-19, odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. The findings revealed several COVID-19 risk factors, including higher maternal (OR 2.2; 95%CI: 1.3-3.0) and paternal education (OR 1.9; 95%CI: 1.3-2.4), urban residence (OR 1.7; 95%CI: 1.3-2.1), the presence of mold in residences (OR 1.7; 95%CI: 1.0-2.3), bronchitis (OR 1.5; 95%CI: 1.2-2.0), and chronic cough (OR 1.8; 95%CI: 1.3-2.4). Further analysis, stratifying children based on their baseline health status (i.e., presence or absence of asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough), indicated that higher parental education increased the risk of COVID-19 solely for children without pre-existing conditions. The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections was found to be notably associated with mold exposure in children who did not have bronchial asthma. Rigorous multivariate analyses substantiated the collective impact of factors such as residential environment, the existence of mold and moisture, and a history of bronchitis. This study's conclusions highlight a higher frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infections in cases where bronchitis had been diagnosed previously and chronic cough was prevalent. Interestingly, the initially hypothesized higher prevalence of COVID-19 among children with bronchial asthma did not receive confirmation in our findings. This study highlights the importance of urban residence, exposure to mold or dampness, and higher parental education in the incidence of COVID-19. Higher parental education was a significant factor in increasing the risk of COVID-19 among children without bronchitis, chronic cough, and asthma.

Clinical relevance of lung function trajectory clusters in middle-aged and older adults

BackgroundThe determinants and health outcomes of lung function trajectories in adults among the general population are poorly understood. We aimed to identify and characterise clusters of lung function trajectories in adults aged ≥45 years.MethodsGaussian finite-mixture modelling was applied to baseline and annualised change of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio z-scores in participants of the Rotterdam Study, a prospective population-based cohort study, with repeated spirometry (n=3884; mean±sdage 64.7±8.9 years). Longitudinal outcomes were all-cause mortality, respiratory outcomes (symptoms, COPD (FEV1/FVC <0.7 in absence of asthma), preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm; FEV1/FVC ≥0.7 and FEV1or FVC <80%)), smoking cessation and weight changes. Independent risk factors, including genetics, were identified by multiple logistic regression.ResultsWe identified eight trajectory clusters, with the reference group having persistently normal spirometry (prevalence 42.8%). Three clusters showed higher mortality, adjusted for confounders: 1) the persistently low FEV1cluster (prevalence 6.8%, hazard ratio (HR) 1.71, 95% CI 1.37–2.13); 2) rapid FEV1decliners (prevalence 4.6%, HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.10–1.99); and 3) FVC decliners (prevalence 3.7%, HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.09–2.03). In contrast, FVC improvers (prevalence 6.7%, HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41–0.90) and persistently high FEV1(prevalence 29.2%, HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69–0.98) were protective trajectory clusters. Clusters were characterised by differences in genetic predisposition (polygenic scores of FEV1and FEV1/FVC), demographics, cigarette smoking, respiratory symptoms (chronic cough, wheezing and dyspnoea), cardiovascular factors (body mass index, hypertension and heart failure) and serum C-reactive protein levels. Frailty, weight changes and the development of respiratory symptoms, COPD and PRISm were significantly associated with trajectory clusters.ConclusionsThis study reveals clinically relevant lung function trajectory clusters in older adults of the general population.

Diagnosis and Outcome of Patients with Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome and Cardiac Involvement

Introduction: Diagnostic criteria of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (iHES) comprise persisting reactive/non-clonal eosinophilia ≥1.5 G/l and associated organ infiltration/dysfunction. The pattern and extent of organ involvement is most relevant for symptoms, quality of life, complications, response to treatment and prognosis. Of note, the potentially life-threatening cardiac involvement (CI) is frequently underrecognized. Patients and Methods: Based on the ´German Registry on Disorders of Eosinophils and Mast Cells (GREM)', we sought to investigate CI in 62 patients (pts) with iHES and predominantly multifocal organ involvement (sinus [n=26], lungs [n=36, including asthma, n=23], abdominal organs [n=15], skin [n=15] and lymph nodes [n=9]) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 62/62 pts), echocardiography (30/62 pts), myocardial biopsy (10/62 pts) and the cardiac biomarkers troponin I (TNI, 49/62 pts) and N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP, 38/62 pts). Clonal eosinophilia, e.g. FIP1L1::PDGFRA, alternative tyrosine kinase fusion genes and point mutations, e.g. KIT D816V, was excluded by the combination of cytogenetic/molecular analyses, bone marrow histology and immunohistochemistry. Myeloid peroxidase (MPO)-ANCA antibodies as characteristic marker of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) were absent in all 62/62 (100%) pts and no evaluable patient had histologic evidence of vasculitis. Results: Cardiac MRI was pathologic in 34/62 (55%) pts with overlapping presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE, 31/34, 91%), pericardial effusion (11/34, 32%), involvement of heart valves/conduction system (9/34, 26%), impaired left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <50%, 9/34, 26%) and presence of intracavitary thrombus (6/34, 18%). Concomitant echocardiography revealed pathological findings only in 10/24 (42%) pts with a pathologic MRI. Myocardial biopsy unveiled fibrosis (4/10, 40%) or eosinophilic infiltration (2/10, 20%) but was also non-informative (4/10, 40%). CI was rather associated with involvement of lungs (24/34, 71%) and sinus (23/34, 68%) than of abdominal organs (8/34, 24%) and skin (5/34, 15%). The combination of CI and asthma, potentially suggestive of ANCA-negative EGPA, was observed in 16/34 (47%) pts, but an indistinguishable pattern of multifocal organ involvement was also present in 18/34 (53%) pts with CI and absence of asthma. All 10/49 (20%) pts with an elevated vs. 0/49 (0%) pts with a normal troponin I (<0.045µg/l) and 20/38 (53%) pts with an elevated vs. 7/38 (18%) pts with a normal NT-proBNP (<125ng/l) revealed a pathologic cardiac MRI (Table). During a median follow-up of 108 months (range 3-470), the occurrence of cardiac events (n=15; death, n=3; cerebral embolism, n=4; worsening of LVEF, n=2; arrhythmias, n=2; valve surgery, n=2; pericardial effusion, n=1; coronary artery aneurysm, n=1) was strongly associated with a pathologic cardiac MRI in 15/15 (100%) pts (prior to MRI, n=6; after MRI, n=9) and an elevated troponin I and/or elevated NT-proBNP in 14/15 (93%) or 12/15 (80%) pts, respectively. During a median follow-up of 7.6 years (range 0.3-29.2), glucocorticoid-based immunosuppressive treatment resulted in improved MRI findings in 9/20 (45%) pts (improved LGE, n=7; regression of thrombus, n=1; improved LVEF, n=1) and a median NT-proBNP decrease of 48%. In pts with a pathologic MRI and elevated biomarkers, 9/13 (69%) and 5/19 (26%) pts, respectively, had a normalization of troponin I or NT-proBNP. Conclusions: In pts with iHES, i) the incidence of CI is high, particularly in pts with multifocal organ involvement, ii) it is questionable whether absence or presence of asthma in pts with multiple organ involvement is qualified for the challenging differentiation between iHES and ANCA-negative EGPA, iii) CI should be assessed by troponin I/NT-proBNP and cardiac MRI as they are superior to echocardiography, iv) the combination of elevated troponin I and to a lesser extent also elevated NT-proBNP with a pathologic cardiac MRI is associated with retrospective and subsequent, potentially life threatening cardiac events, and v) cardiac biomarkers and cardiac MRI are useful for monitoring response to treatment.

Exercise Induced Bronchospasm and associated factors in primary school children: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundExercise Induced Bronchospasm(EIB) is not equivalent to asthma. As many as 20%of school aged children are estimated to have EIB. In Nigeria, there is still a dearth of information on EIB as a clinical entity.This study determined the presence of EIB(using pre and post-exercise percentage difference in peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR) and associated factors such as age, gender, social class and nutritional status in primary school children in Nnewi, Anambra state, South-East Nigeria. The study also grouped those with EIB into those with asthma(EIBA) and those without asthma(EIBWA).MethodsThis was a community based cross-sectional study involving 6–12 year olds. The PEFR was taken at rest and after a 6 min free running test on the school play-ground using a Peak Flow Meter. A diagnosis of EIB was made if there was a decline of ≥ 10%. Those who had EIB were grouped further based on the degree of decline in post-exercise PEFR (a decline ≥ 10% < 25% → Mild EIB, ≥ 25% < 50% → Moderate EIB and ≥ 50% → Severe EIB) and then categorized as those with EIBWA/EIBA.ResultsEIB in the various minutes post-exercise was as follows: 19.2%(1stmin), 20.9%(5thmin), 18.7%(10thmin), 10%(20thmin), 0.7%(30thmin). Mild EIB accounted for the greater proportion in all minutes post-exercise and none of the pupils had severe EIB. Using values obtained in the 5thmin post-exercise for further analysis, EIBWA/EIBA = 84.1%/15.9% respectively. Mean difference in the post-exercise PEFR of EIB/no EIB and EIBWA/EIBA was -48.45(t = -7.69, p = < 0.001) and 44.46(t = 3.77, p = 0.01) respectively.Age and gender had a significant association to the presence of EIB and 58% of the pupils with EIB were of high social class. The BMI for age and gender z-scores of all study subjects as well as those with EIB was -0.34 ± 1.21, -0.09 ± 1.09 respectively. Other features of allergy(history of allergic rhinitis: OR–5.832, p = 0.001; physical findings suggestive of allergic dermatitis: OR–2.740, p = 0.003)were present in pupils diagnosed with EIB.ConclusionEIB has a high prevalence in primary school children in Nnewi and the greater proportion of those with EIB had EIBWA. EIB therefore needs to be recognized as a clinical entity and stratified properly based on the presence or absence of asthma. This will help the proper management and prognostication.

Real-Life Effectiveness of Mepolizumab in Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of mepolizumab in patients affected by chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in real-life. A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted on severe CRSwNP patients treated with mepolizumab. Nasal endoscopic polyp score (NPS), visual analogue scale (VAS) symptom score, sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22), asthma control test (ACT) score, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), eosinophils blood cells and prednisone intake were assessed at baseline and after 6 months. A total of 55 patients were included; 49 patients (89%) presented with asthma; aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) in 28 patients (51%). A statistically significant decrease in the SNOT-22 score was observed (median difference -63; 95% CI: -68; -58; p < 0.001) with median t0 76 and IQR (61;90) to t6 10 (5;15). A reduction in NPS, median t0 NPS 4; (IQR:4;6), median t6 NPS 1; (IQR:0;1) p < 0.001, was greater in patients with AERD. The median baseline VAS score was 6 (IQR:6;7) and the differences between t0 and t6 were statistically significant p < 0.001. Significant changes in blood eosinophils cells, median t0 500 cell/mcl (IQR:340;830), median t6 97 cell/mcl (IQR:60;160) p < 0.001, were greater in patients with AERD. Mepolizumab treatment effects have been demonstrated with significantly reduced symptoms, polyp scores, blood eosinophils and systemic corticosteroid use, resulting in an increased health-related quality of life in patients with severe CRSwNP, regardless of the presence or absence of asthma or AERD.

Effectiveness of Low-Dose Mepolizumab in the Treatment of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA): A Real-Life Experience

Introduction: Data showing effectiveness of mepolizumab in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) are limited. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective chart review of patients with EGPA treated with mepolizumab. Clinical, laboratory, functional parameters and asthma, rhinitis control, and quality of life scores (Asthma Control Test [ACT], Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire [AQLQ], Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire [RQLQ], and SinoNasal Outcome Test [SNOT]-22) were evaluated at the baseline, 6th month, and 12th month. Complete response was defined as the absence of asthma and/or ear, nasal symptoms and exacerbations with a prednisone of ≤7.5 mg/day, partial response if it was achieved with a prednisone of >7.5 mg/day. Results: Overall, 25 patients (18 F/7 M) with a median age of 47 years (23–76) were enrolled. Mepolizumab 100 mg/month was administered (dose increased to 300 mg/month in 3 patients). Mepolizumab significantly decreased daily dose of oral corticosteroid (OCS) from 11.04 mg to 3.65 mg together with a significant improvement in ACT, AQLQ, RQLQ, and SNOT-22 scores and a significant reduction in asthma exacerbations and blood eosinophil count at the 6th and 12th month (all p values <0.05). The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s increased (at baseline: 1.88 L to 2.46 L at the 12th month [p = 0.037]). Seventy-six percent of patients responded completely at the 6th month and 81.25% at the 12th month. The complete responders at the 6th and 12th month were older than partial responders and nonresponders (p = 0.030 and p = 0.057, respectively). Patients with complete response at the 6th month were on lower doses of OCS than partial responders and nonresponders (p = 0.029). Conclusions: Low-dose mepolizumab was effective in EGPA patients by improving sinonasal and asthma outcomes, while reducing the need for OCS.

Cardiac Involvement and Absence of Asthma – What is Phenotype Specificity of EGPA: A Case Report

Justyna Fijolek, MD*⇑, Elzbieta Wiatr, Prof*, Katarzyna Blasinska, MD†, Dorota Piotrowska-Kownacka, MD‡ and Kazimierz Roszkowski-Sliz, Prof* *The Third Department of Pneumonology and Oncology, National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, Plocka St. 26, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland †Department of Radiology, National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, Plocka St. 26, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland ‡The First Department of Clinical Radiology, Independent Public Central Clinical Hospital of Medical University, Banacha St. 1a, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland Corresponding Author: Justyna Fijolek, MD, The Third Department of Pneumonology and Oncology, National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, Plocka St. 26, 01-138, Warsaw, Poland, Email: jfijolek{at}op.pl

All Types Obesity and Physical Inactivity Associated with the Risk of Activity of Daily Living Limitations Among People with Asthma.

PurposeTo examine the association between all types of obesity, physical inactivity, and the risk of activity of daily living limitations in people with asthma.Patients and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data from 2555 people aged between 25 and 74 years were acquired from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States Refresher conducted between 2011 and 2014. Self-reported questions were used to specify the presence or absence of asthma and physical inactivity. All participants were categorized as having no asthma or asthma. Obesity was defined based on three distinctive indicators: body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio.ResultsLogistic regression analysis showed that people with asthma who had all types of obesity alone or both all types of obesity and physical inactivity were significantly (P <0.0001) almost more than three times more likely to have limitations in the activity of daily living than those without this condition, even after adjusting for all covariates. Moreover, the odds of activity of daily living limitations were 1.69 times increased in asthma patients with physical inactivity alone, but this increase in risk was not significant (P =0.465). In addition, the odds of activity of daily living limitations were significantly (P <0.0001) more than twice independently in people with asthma aged between 60 and 74 years, female, undergraduate level of education, smoking, and having joint/bone underlying diseases.ConclusionThe results demonstrated that the presence of all types of obesity is related to a higher risk of activity of daily living limitations in people with asthma than in those without asthma. Having both all types of obesity and physical inactivity are also linked to a greater risk of activity of daily living limitations in these patients.

RARE CAUSE OF PROXIMAL BRONCHIECTASIS: MOUNIER-KUHN SYNDROME

TOPIC: Imaging TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Mounier-Kuhn syndrome (MKS), also known as tracheobronchomegaly is a rare cause of proximal bronchiectasis which is characterized by deficient smooth muscle and elastic fibers and absence of myenteric plexus in the proximal airway wall. Less than 400 cases of MKS have been reported (1) (2). We present a patient with numerous hospitalizations due to recurrent dyspnea and pneumonia spanning twenty years who met chest CT criteria for MKS. CASE PRESENTATION: 44-year-old African American male, a former smoker, presented with worsening dyspnea and productive cough for 2 days. He has had similar symptoms for 20 years. Examination revealed clubbing of extremities and coarse auscultation crackles bilaterally. Chest x-ray revealed right upper lobe emphysematous changes and bilateral diffuse central opacities with cystic changes. CT chest revealed para-septal emphysema and extensive proximal cystic bronchiectasis bilaterally. Blood tests were negative for HIV, connective tissue disorders, autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiency. The absence of asthma, patient's ethnicity, having biological children and absence of other organ damage, made cystic fibrosis (CF) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) unlikely. The trachea, left and right mainstem bronchus measured at 30mm, 25mm, 27mm on chest CT with outpouching noted on proximal trachea, which led to the diagnosis of MKS. DISCUSSION: Proximal bronchiectasis is rare. Acquired causes are ABPA, CF, and congenital causes are MKS and William Campbell Syndrome. MKS is a rare congenital abnormality characterized by tracheobronchial dilation due to atrophy of elastic fibers and thinning of smooth muscle layer in the trachea and main bronchi (2) up to 1st to 4th bronchial generations. Clinical manifestations include that of chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis with recurrent lower respiratory infection. Subtypes include 1) tracheobronchomegaly alone, 2) tracheobronchomegaly with diverticula in the proximal trachea as seen in our patient, 3) tracheobronchomegtly with diverticula extending to lower bronchi. The gold standard diagnostic test for MKS is CT chest. Diagnostic criteria are trachea > 30mm, right main bronchus > 20-24mm, and left main bronchus >18-23mm (3). Airway wall weakness can lead to extensive dynamic airway occlusion further accentuating symptoms. Treatments rely on daily frequent chest physiotherapy with postural drainage, antibiotics during infections, and immunization to help prevent infections and further airway damage. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with bronchiectasis, early diagnosis of tracheobronchomegaly using chest CT criteria will allow for implementation of treatment strategies that will hopefully prevent recurrent infection and further airway damage. REFERENCE #1: Mounier-Kuhn syndrome in a Namibian female patient. Mkandawire MJ, Muramira NM, Mraba N. s.l. : Pan Afr Med J, 2020. REFERENCE #2: Tracheobronchomegaly. The Mounier-Kuhn Syndrome. Katz I, Levine M, Herman P. s.l. : Am Journal Roentgenol Radium Ther Nucl Med. 88:1084-1094. REFERENCE #3: Mounier-Kuhn syndrome: report of 8 cases of tracheobronchomegaly with associated complications. Balakrishnan, Menon, et al. 1, s.l. : Southern Medical Journal, 2008, Vol. 101. pp.83-87. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Thomas George, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Padmanabhan Krishnan, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Nikisha Pandya, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Gurjit Inder Sidhu, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Sarita Singh, source=Admin input No relevant relationships by Fardad Zaghi, source=Web Response

Association of cardiovascular health with mortality among COPD patients: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III

BackgroundAll-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality are higher among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We examined the association between American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 (LS7) metrics and all-cause as well as CVD mortality in patients with COPD. MethodsWe examined 1513 US adults with COPD aged ≥ 40, without prior CVD, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. COPD was defined as FEV1/FVC<0.7 in absence of asthma. Adjusted Cox regression was used to assess the relation of LS7 metrics with all-cause and CVD mortality. ResultsOverall, only 74 participants (4.9%) had ideal 5-7 LS7 metrics. Over a mean follow-up of 14.2±7.9 years, 1162 individuals died, of which 315 were due to CVD. Age, sex, and ethnicity-adjusted HRs (95% CI) for all-cause mortality were 0.53 (0.41-0.68), 0.45 (0.34-0.59), 0.66 (0.49-0.87) and 0.75 (0.56-1.00) among those with ideal vs poor control of smoking, diet, physical activity and fasting blood glucose, respectively. However, the ideal and intermediate LS7 metrics were not significantly associated with lower risk of CVD mortality, except for a BMI between 25-29.9 kg/m2. Those with 5-7 vs 0-1 ideal metrics had adjusted HRs 0.50 (0.40-0.87) for all-cause and 0.53 (0.21-1.36) for CVD mortality. ConclusionIdeal levels of multiple behavioral and health factors are associated with substantially lower risks for all-cause mortality, with a trend for lower CVD mortality among US adults with COPD.

Contributions of asthma, rhinitis and IgE to exhaled nitric oxide in adolescents.

Exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) is an indicator of allergic airway inflammation. However, it is unknown how asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic sensitisation relate to FeNO, particularly among adolescents and in overlapping conditions. We sought to determine the associations between asthma, AR, and aeroallergen immunoglobulin (Ig)E and FeNO in adolescents.We measured FeNO among 929 adolescents (aged 11–16 years) in Project Viva, an unselected prebirth cohort in Massachusetts, USA. We defined asthma as ever asthma physician diagnosis plus wheezing in the past year or taking asthma medications in the past month, AR as a physician diagnosis of hay fever or AR, and aeroallergen IgE as any IgE >0.35 IU·mL−1 among 592 participants who provided blood samples. We examined associations of asthma, AR and IgE with percent difference in FeNO in linear regression models adjusted for sex, race/ethnicity, age and height, maternal education and smoking during pregnancy, and household/neighbourhood demographics.Asthma (14%) was associated with 97% higher FeNO (95% CI 70–128%), AR (21%) with 45% higher FeNO (95% CI 28–65%), and aeroallergen IgE (58%) with 102% higher FeNO (95% CI 80–126%) compared to those without each condition, respectively. In the absence of asthma or AR, aeroallergen IgE was associated with 75% higher FeNO (95% CI 52–101), while asthma and AR were not associated with FeNO in the absence of IgE.The link between asthma and AR with FeNO is limited to those with IgE-mediated phenotypes. FeNO may be elevated in those with allergic sensitisation alone, even in the absence of asthma or AR.

Methacholine-Induced Cough in the Absence of Asthma: Insights From Impulse Oscillometry.

IntroductionThe pathophysiologic differences between methacholine-induced cough but normal airway sensitivity (COUGH) and healthy individuals (CONTROL) are incompletely understood and may be due to differences in the bronchodilating effect of deep inspirations (DIs). The purpose of this study is to compare the bronchodilating effect of DIs in individuals with classic asthma (CA), cough variant asthma (CVA), and COUGH with CONTROL and to assess impulse oscillometry (IOS) measures as predictors of the bronchodilating effect of DIs.MethodsA total of 43 adults [18 female; 44.8 ± 12.3 years (mean ± SD); n = 11 CA, n = 10 CVA, n = 7 COUGH, n = 15 CONTROL] underwent modified high-dose methacholine challenge, with IOS and partial/maximal expiratory flow volume (PEFV/MEFV) maneuvers (used to calculate DI Index) to a maximum change (Δ) in FEV1 of 50% from baseline (MAX). Cough count and dyspnea were measured at each dose. The relation between IOS parameters and DI Index was assessed at baseline and MAX using multivariable linear regression analysis.ResultsCough frequency, dyspnea intensity, and baseline peripheral resistance (R5–R20) were significantly greater in COUGH compared with CONTROL (p = 0.006, p = 0.029, and p = 0.035, respectively). At MAX, the DI Index was significantly lower in COUGH (0.01 ± 0.36) compared with CA (0.67 ± 0.97, p = 0.008), CVA (0.51 ± 0.73, p = 0.012), and CONTROL (0.68 ± 0.45, p = 0.005). Fres and R5–R20 were independent IOS predictors of the DI Index.ConclusionThe bronchodilating effect is impaired in COUGH and preserved in mild CA, CVA, and CONTROL. Increased peripheral airway resistance and decreased resonant frequency are associated with a decreased DI Index. COUGH is a clinical phenotype distinct from healthy normals and asthma.

Asthma/Rhinitis (The United Airway) and Allergy: Chicken or Egg; Which Comes First?

While allergy, asthma and rhinitis do not inevitably co-exist, there are strong associations. Not all those with asthma are allergic, rhinitis may exist without asthma, and allergy commonly exists in the absence of asthma and/or rhinitis. This is likely due to the separate gene/environment interactions which influence susceptibility to allergic sensitization and allergic airway diseases. Allergic sensitization, particularly to foods, and eczema commonly manifest early in infancy, and not infrequently are followed by the development of allergic rhinitis and ultimately asthma. This has become known as the “allergic march”. However, many infants with eczema never develop asthma or rhinitis, and both the latter conditions can evolve without prior eczema or food allergy. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the ontogeny of allergic sensitization and allergic disease will facilitate rational approaches to the prevention and management of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, a range of new, so-called biological, therapeutic approaches, targeting specific allergy-promoting and pro-inflammatory molecules, are now in clinical trials or have been recently approved for use by regulatory authorities and could have a major impact on disease prevention and control in the future. Understanding basic mechanisms will be essential to the employment of such medications. This review will explain the concept of the united airway (rhinitis/asthma) and associations with allergy. It will incorporate understanding of the role of genes and environment in relation to the distinct but interacting origins of allergy and rhinitis/asthma. Understanding the patho-physiological differences and varying therapeutic requirements in patients with asthma, with or without rhinitis, and with or without associated allergy, will aid the planning of a personalized evidence-based management strategy.

Aeroallergen sensitization profile in medically resistant chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objectives:The aim of this study is to report the aeroallergen sensitization profile in medically resistant chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps and its relationship to asthma.Methods:Retrospective charts review of 402 chronic rhinosinusitis patients who failed to respond to medical treatment and scheduled for surgery at a tertiary academic center was performed. One hundred and fifty-five patients had chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and 247 patients had chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps, furthermore; the two phenotypes were subdivided according to the presence or absence of asthma. Allergen-specific immunoglobulin E to 24 inhalant allergens was measured to all patients by the enzyme allergo-sorbent test.Results:The average age was 35 years (SD ± 13) with 236 males and 166 females. Two hundred and fifty-three patients (63%) were tested positive for at least one allergen with no significant difference between patients with or without polyp (in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, 103 patients (66%) were positive compared with 150 patients (61%) in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps). There were no significant differences in the prevalence, type, and number of positive allergens between the two phenotypes. The prevalence of asthma was found to be 19% in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps versus 46% in those with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (p = 0.001), and the prevalence of high eosinophils was 27%, and 47% in both phenotypes, respectively (p = 0.0001).Conclusions:The prevalence of inhalational allergy in medically resistant chronic rhinosinusitis is high, however, this profile does not differ based on the presence of polyp. Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps had a higher prevalence of asthma and blood eosinophils as compared with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. Our results showed a little role of inhalant allergens in nasal polyps or asthma comorbidity in refractory sinusitis patients.

“Idiopathic Eosinophilic Vasculitis”: Another Side of Hypereosinophilic Syndrome? A Comprehensive Analysis of 117 Cases in Asthma-Free Patients

The absence of asthma may rule out a diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis in patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and features of vasculitis. To describe eosinophilic vasculitis (EoV) as a possible manifestation of HES in asthma-free patients. We screened our hospital database and the literature for patients with HES who met the following 4 criteria: (1) histopathological or clinical features of EoV (biopsy-proven vasculitis with predominant eosinophilic infiltration of the vessel wall and/or features of vasculitis with tissue and/or blood hypereosinophilia [absolute eosinophil count >1.5 G/L]); (2) no other obvious causes of reactive eosinophilia, organ damage, and vasculitis; (3) the absence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies; and (4) the absence of current asthma. Ten of our 83 (12%) asthma-free patients with HES and 107 additional cases in the literature met the criteria for EoV. After a critical analysis of the patients' clinical and laboratory characteristics and outcomes, we identified 41 cases of single-organ EoV (coronary arteritis, n= 29; temporal arteritis, n= 8; cerebral vasculitis, n= 4). Of the remaining 76 patients with EoV, the most frequent manifestations (>10%) were cutaneous vasculitis (56%), peripheral neuropathy (24%), thromboangiitis obliterans-like disease (16%), fever (13%), central nervous system involvement (13%), deep venous thrombosis (12%), and nonasthma lung manifestations (12%). Blood hypereosinophilia more than 1.5 G/L was observed in 79% of patients, and necrotizing vasculitis was observed in 44%. Our results suggest that idiopathic EoV (HES-associated vasculitis) can be classified as an eosinophilic-rich, necrotizing, systemic form of vasculitis that affects vessels of various sizes in asthma-free patients.

Evaluation of Clinically and Physiologically Atypical Asthma: If It Doesn’t Wheeze It May Still Be Asthma

Investigators in this study (1) evaluated the relationship between the lack of clinical wheeze and lack of wheeze during positive bronchial challenge testing (BCT) in children suspected of having asthma and (2) evaluated the diagnostic value of provocation concentration respiratory rate (PCRR), oxygen saturation (PCO2-SAT), and wheezing (PCwheeze) and whether the value of these measures was influenced by age.Participants (n = 724) were recruited from children ages 3 months to 18 years without a diagnosis of asthma or conditions causing bronchial hyperresponsiveness or obstruction who were referred for possible asthma from 2009 to 2016.BCT was performed with methacholine (sensitive) to distinguish presence or absence of asthma or adenosine (specific) to distinguish asthma from other conditions. A positive BCT result was determined by the provocation concentration that resulted in a 20% decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second in children able to perform spirometry (group B) or a 50% increase in respiratory rate, a 5% decrease in oxygen saturation, or appearance of wheezing in those unable to perform spirometry (group A).BCT results were positive for 507 out of 724 children; 89 (17.6%) in group A (median age: 3 [interquartile range: 2.5–3.7] years) were unable to perform spirometry, and 418 (82.4%) in group B (median age: 10.7 [interquartile range: 6.8–15.6] years) were able to perform spirometry. Children without physician-documented wheeze in the whole population (groups A plus B) were more likely (65.5%) to have a positive BCT result without wheeze compared with those with physician-documented wheeze (41.0%, P < .001). In group A, adding PCRR and PCO2-SAT increased BCT sensitivity by 23.6%.Many children in both groups did not wheeze despite reaching BCT endpoints. Most children without physician-documented wheeze did not wheeze on BCT. In young children, adding PCRR and PCO2-SAT substantially increased BCT sensitivity.By documenting the possibility of absent wheezing during bronchial hyperresponsiveness diagnosed by positive BCT results, researchers in this study demonstrated that the presence of wheezing is not essential for a diagnosis of asthma. Inclusion of tachypnea and decreased oxygen saturation improved the sensitivity of asthma diagnosis in children too young to perform spirometry. Corresponding changes in specificity were not described, and the relative benefits of a sensitive or specific asthma definition in young children should be considered, depending on the circumstances. In children able to perform spirometry, a 20% decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second remained the more-sensitive measure. The combination of different BCT methods was a possible study limitation, despite similarities of the outcomes.

Determinants of Quality of Life, Depending on the Presence or Absence of Asthma in Adults, Based on the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Determinants of Quality of Life, Depending on the Presence or Absence of Asthma in Adults, Based on the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Utility and efficiency of methacholine challenge testing in evaluating pediatric asthma: unraveling the diagnostic conundrum

Objective Interpretation of methacholine challenge testing (MCT) results depends on the patient’s pretest probability of asthma as well as the provocative concentration (PC20); however, ordering providers rarely understand the complexity associated with its interpretation. This study investigated the clinical utility and efficiency of MCT at a tertiary center in evaluating pediatric asthma. Methods Retrospective chart review was done for all MCT done at a tertiary center over a six year period (2011-2017). Demographics, referring provider, referral diagnosis, current symptoms with and without exercise, and baseline spirometry were collected. Pretest probability of asthma was assigned by author (RB) who was blinded to MCT results and PC20. Post-test probability of asthma was assigned based on pretest probability, MCT result (+/−), and PC20. Three assigned asthma probability categories were “unlikely” “likely”, and “very likely”. Results Of 172 subjects (91 Females, age range 5–21 years), 64.9% of MCT results (n = 111)) were negative and 35.1% (n = 60)) were positive. One was inconclusive. Those who tested positive were shorter, lighter, younger and had lower forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio than those who tested negative (p < 0.05). Subjects with exercise symptoms only were less likely to test positive (OR 0.2, CI 0.1–0.5). In a majority of subjects (91.8%; 157/171), MCT increased the certainty of presence or absence of asthma. Conclusions In our subject population, MCT could be useful in evaluating pediatric asthma if subject’s pretest probability of asthma and PC20 was taken into account. It was not as useful for subjects with exercise symptoms only.

Systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy: Effects of dosing and aeroallergen content

BackgroundSystemic reactions are a known risk of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for aeroallergens. ObjectiveTo identify the dose of SCIT that results in the most systemic reactions to SCIT (SCITSRs) and other risk factors for SCITSRs. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of all SCIT encounters from 2013 to 2017 at a multisite allergy/immunology practice. SCITSRs were identified from the electronic health record through immunotherapy encounters in which epinephrine was administered. Collected data included patient demographics, the dose of immunotherapy at the time of the SCITSR, the presence or absence of asthma, and aeroallergen content. The control group was generated randomly from the same cohort during the same period. ResultsThere were 86,949 SCIT visits, with 81 SCITSRs (0.9 per 1000 injections). A total of 77.8% of reactions occurred at a dose of 1:1 0.1 mL and above. The presence of cat (81.5% vs 63.0%, P = .01), dog (67.9% vs 37.0%, P < .001), and grass extracts (85.2% vs 67.5%, P = .01) were associated with SCITSRs. Asthma was not significantly associated with SCITSRs. The presence of dust mites, trees, weeds, and molds was not associated with SCITSRs. There were no months or seasons where SCITSRs were more likely to occur. Individuals who experienced SCITSRs had a mean (SD) higher number of included aeroallergenic groups compared with controls (5.86 [1.88] vs 5.00 [1.92], P < .001). ConclusionRisk factors for SCITSRs in a multisite allergy/immunology practice included administration of the highest immunotherapy doses; inclusion of cat, dog, and grass extracts; and the number of aeroallergenic groups included in the extract. This information helps further characterize risk for patients receiving SCIT.

СПОСОБ ПРОГНОЗИРОВАНИЯ РАЗВИТИЯ БРОНХИАЛЬНОЙ АСТМЫ У БОЛЬНЫХ ПОЛИПОЗНЫМ РИНОСИНУСИТОМ.

The method for prediction of asthma in patients with polypous rhinosinusitis was developed. It consists of determination of the average mass molecules (AMM, optical density units), measurement of exhaled and inhaled air temperature (T exh, ºC), and (T inh, ºC), and determination of the temperature difference (ΔT, ºC) between the inhaled and exhaled air temperatures and with the help of the discriminant equation: D = +5.028 × T exh - 0.405×ΔT - 8.910 × AMM, where the discriminant function (D) boundary value is 152.16. At D greater than or equal to the discriminant function boundary value, the absence of asthma in patients with polypous rhinosinusitis is predicted; at D less than the discriminant function boundary value, the development of asthma is predicted.