Systemic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production differs in aspirin-sensitive and non-sensitive asthmatic patients, according to a report in the January Thorax. Reuters Health Information
Steven D. Schwaitzberg, MD, FACS, Chief of Surgery, Cambridge Health Alliance; Visiting Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, discusses the problem of doctors not getting paid to treat GERD. The Medscape Journal of Medicine
Genetic mutations that are associated with familial Mediterranean fever may confer protection against asthma, results of a study published in the December issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology suggest. Reuters Health Information
For sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) of seasonal allergic rhinitis, grass pollen tablets with an index of reactivity (IR) of 300 provide the best risk-benefit ratio, new research indicates. Reuters Health Information
Treatment of cystic fibrosis has advanced to target the early pathophysiologic changes associated with the disease. The current article summarizes the state of the art for cystic fibrosis therapy. Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
A study published in the September 27, 2007 issue of NEJM fails to find a link between prenatal or postnatal thimerosal exposure and neuropsychological functioning in childhood. Medscape Pediatrics
Variations in FCER2, the low-affinity IgE receptor gene, are associated with an increase in severe exacerbations in children with asthma, according to findings from the Childhood Asthma Management Program. Reuters Health Information
In a randomized trial of children with acute rhinitis, saline treatment had faster resolution of some nasal symptoms during the acute illness and less frequent reappearance of rhinitis vs medication. Medscape Medical News
Patients with allergies appear to have a higher incidence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) than do those without allergies, suggesting that the conditions may be linked in some patients, Chicago-based researchers report. Reuters Health Information
A new vaccine based on human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 chimeric virus-like particles is safe and may prove effective in treating high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2/3, according to a report in the December 15th issue of the International Journal of Cancer. Reuters Health Information