A variant in CHI3L1, the gene that encodes the chitinase-like protein YKL-40, is associated with asthma, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reduced lung function, new study findings show. Reuters Health Information
A population-based, nested case-control study shows that influenza vaccination is not effective in reducing pneumonia in the elderly. Medscape Medical News
Levels of the chitinase-like protein YKL-40 are increased in the serum and lungs of patients with asthma and correlate with disease severity, researchers report. Reuters Health Information
Adult-onset asthma in women, but not in men, appears to increase the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, according to a report in the May 1st American Journal of Cardiology. Reuters Health Information
Vaccination with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) helps prevent pneumonia in patients infected with HIV, according to a report in the April 1st Clinical Infectious Diseases. Reuters Health Information
