World Allergy Congress Research Articles

Summary and Conclusions: New Perspectives in Hereditary Angioedema: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Choices: A CME Symposium Presented at the World Allergy Congress, Buenos Aires, Argentina (December 2009)

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a relatively rare disease, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 1 per 50,000 in the general population. Despite its rarity, HAE has become an area of intense interest within the medical community. This interest likely reflects several different aspects of HAE, including: the high potential for significant morbidity and mortality associated with attacks of angioedema in HAE patients, the frequent failure to make an accurate and timely diagnosis, the progress in unraveling the underlying pathophysiology of HAE, and the tremendous advances in treatment options. To limit the morbidity and mortality that has long afflicted patients with HAE, it has become increasingly important that the clinician understand both the underlying mechanisms of swelling in HAE and the newer treatment strategies that have been developed for HAE. This supplement contains 3 reviews that summarize the current state-of-the-art regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of HAE.

The Scope of Pharmacological and Clinical Effects of Modern Antihistamines, With a Special Focus on Rupatadine: Proceedings from a Satellite Symposium held at the 21st World Allergy Congress, Buenos Aires, December 8, 2009

The Scope of Pharmacological and Clinical Effects of Modern Antihistamines, With a Special Focus on Rupatadine: Proceedings from a Satellite Symposium held at the 21st World Allergy Congress, Buenos Aires, December 8, 2009

Introduction: New Perspectives in Hereditary Angioedema (HAE): Molecular Mechanisms & Therapeutic Choices:: A CME Symposium Presented at the 2009 World Allergy Congress, Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 9, 2009

Introduction: New Perspectives in Hereditary Angioedema (HAE): Molecular Mechanisms & Therapeutic Choices:: A CME Symposium Presented at the 2009 World Allergy Congress, Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 9, 2009

Efficacy and safety of montelukast in adults with asthma and allergic rhinitis

Several clinical studies have confirmed the effectiveness of montelukast 10mg orally in adults with both asthma and allergic rhinitis. The objective of this phase IV study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of montelukast 10mg in adults with both asthma and allergic rhinitis in a real-life setting. Data from 5855 patients (mean age: 42.8+/-15.4 years) were collected and analyzed following treatment for 4-6 weeks. Efficacy was analyzed by comparing baseline values of: general, day- and night-time improvement in asthma symptoms, need for rescue medication or inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), general and specific improvement in allergic rhinitis symptoms, reduction in rhinitis medication use, and general and specific quality of life (QoL) improvement with values collected at the end of the observation period of 4-6 weeks. Following treatment with 10mg montelukast 86.5% (n=4547) of patients reported a strong or marked improvement in day-time asthma symptoms and 88.5% (n=4367) reported improvement in night-time symptoms. A similarly high proportion of patients had a strong or marked improvement in all symptoms of allergic rhinitis (i.e. sneezing/itching (84%), rhinorrhea (81.7%), nasal congestion (79.3%), watery eyes (78.4%) and red or burning eyes (77.7%). The use of asthma and rhinitis medication was also reduced. 92.3% (n=5685) of all patients intended to continue montelukast therapy. Overall QoL was "very good" or "good" in 85.2% of patients (n=4991) and a "strong" or "marked" improvement in each of the four domains of sleep, work, everyday life and physical activity. Montelukast was well tolerated. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 14 out of 6158 patients. None of the adverse events was serious. Accordingly, montelukast 10mg is a safe and effective treatment for patients with both asthma and allergic rhinitis.