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Biomedical subjects

J Corren

Publications and source records attributed to J Corren.

27 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Comparison of the bronchodilatory effects of cetirizine, albuterol, and both together versus placebo in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma.

BACKGROUND: Many potential users of the H1 antihistamine cetirizine are asthmatic and may be using inhaled albuterol. This study was conducted to assess the possible bronchodilatory effect of cetirizine in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma and to determine whether cetirizine interacts with albuterol. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, the effects on pulmonary function of 5, 10, and 20 mg oral doses of cetirizine with and without inhaled albuterol (180 micrograms) were determined in 12 patients at 11 time points over 8 hours. The primary measure of efficacy was forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). RESULTS: Cetirizine with or without albuterol significantly increased FEV1, peak expiratory flow rate, and forced expiratory flow rate between 25% and 75% of vital capacity relative to baseline and placebo but did not have a significant effect on forced vital capacity. The effect of 20 mg of cetirizine on FEV1 was generally greater than that of 10 or 5 mg, but the difference was statistically significant only at the 30-minute time point (p < 0.05). All three cetirizine doses produced significantly greater increases than placebo in FEV1 and forced expiratory flow rate between 25% and 75% of vital capacity for 8 hours and in peak expiratory flow rate for 7 hours (p < 0.02). Albuterol alone had a significant effect on the four pulmonary function variables from 1 to 5 hours after baseline (p < 0.05), which is consistent with albuterol's recommended dosing frequency of every 4 to 6 hours. Albuterol alone increased FEV1 significantly more than 5 mg of cetirizine alone but not 10 mg or 20 mg of cetirizine alone at 60, 90, and 120 minutes after baseline, but all three doses of cetirizine increased FEV1 significantly more than albuterol 7 and 8 hours after baseline (p < 0.05), indicating that the bronchodilatory action of cetirizine lasts longer than that of albuterol. Cetirizine neither potentiated nor inhibited the bronchodilatory action of albuterol, but the two drugs appeared to have an additive bronchodilatory effect. None of the cetirizine treatments caused a worsening of pulmonary function, and all were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Cetirizine has a significant bronchodilatory effect in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma and can be used to treat concomitant conditions (e.g., allergic rhinitis) without concern that it will interfere with the bronchodilatory effect of albuterol or cause worsening of asthma by itself.

Albuterol↗

Optimum treatment of rhinitis in the elderly.

With aging, multiple physiological changes occur in the connective tissue and vasculature of the nose which may predispose or contribute to chronic rhinitis. Accurate differentiation of allergic from nonallergic causes of rhinitis requires skin testing or in vitro measures of specific IgE. Empiric treatment with over-the-counter first generation antihistamines and oral decongestants frequently results in CNS, anticholinergic and cardiovascular adverse effects. While newer second generation histamine antagonists do not cause these problems, selected drugs in this class may cause electrocardiographic QT prolongation and, in rare cases, ventricular arrhythmias. Topical therapies including sodium cromoglycate (cromolyn sodium), corticosteroids and ipratropium bromide are all well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects. Avoidance of allergens and/or irritants is an important adjunct in treating patients with allergic and vasomotor rhinitis. If all other therapies fail in patients with confirmed allergic rhinitis, immunotherapy can be safely instituted in most older patients.

Aged↗

Vocal cord dysfunction mimicking bronchial asthma.

Vocal cord dysfunction is a possible cause of wheezing and dyspnea in patients who do not respond to conventional asthma therapy. A carefully taken history, pulmonary function testing, and, most important, direct visualization with a flexible laryngoscope during an acute attack allow physicians to differentiate vocal cord dysfunction from asthma. Speech therapy, inhalation of helium and oxygen, and psychiatric counseling play a role in management.

Adult↗

Nasal beclomethasone prevents the seasonal increase in bronchial responsiveness in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Experimental studies have demonstrated that induction of a nasal allergic reaction can lead to an increase in bronchial responsiveness (BR). To assess the clinical relevance of these experimental changes to chronic asthma, we sought to determine the effect of nasal beclomethasone dipropionate (Bdp) on BR in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma. Eighteen subjects with histories of seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma during the fall pollen season with positive skin tests to short ragweed and bronchial hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine were assigned to receive either nasal Bdp (336 micrograms/day) or placebo for the entire ragweed season. Patients recorded daily nasal and chest symptoms, nasal blockage index, oral peak expiratory flow rates, and supplemental medication use. BR to methacholine was measured during the baseline period and 6 weeks into the ragweed season. Although the Bdp group did have a significant improvement in nasal blockage index, there was no improvement in daily asthma symptom scores, oral peak expiratory flow, or asthma medication use. However, subjects treated with Bdp were protected from the increase in BR seen in the placebo group (geometric mean PC20 placebo group: baseline = 0.70, week 6 = 0.29; Bdp group: baseline = 0.80, week 6 = 0.93; intergroup difference, p = 0.022). We conclude that nasal corticosteroid therapy can prevent the increase in BR associated with seasonal pollen exposure in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Changes in bronchial responsiveness following nasal provocation with allergen.

The relationship between upper airway inflammation and asthma is controversial. In the current study, we sought to investigate the relationship between allergic rhinitis and lower airway dysfunction by performing double-blind, randomized nasal challenges with allergen or placebo. Subjects were selected for a prior history of asthma exacerbations after the onset of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms. After the induction of a marked nasal-allergic reaction (with a technique of nasal provocation that limited allergen delivery to the nose), there were no changes in FEV1, specific conductance, or lung volumes either 30 minutes or 4 1/2 hours after nasal allergen challenge, nor any changes in peak flow rates followed hourly until the next day. However, nasal provocation with allergen resulted in a relative increase in bronchial responsiveness to methacholine compared with that to placebo (p = 0.011 at 30 minutes and p = 0.0009 at 4 1/2 hours after challenge). Our study suggests that, although a nasal-allergic response does not induce airflow limitation of the lower airways, it can alter bronchial responsiveness.

Adolescent↗

Ureaplasma urealyticum chronic osteomyelitis in a patient with hypogammaglobulinemia.

Mycoplasma species are recognized as important pathogens in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia. In this article we describe, for the first time, a patient with hypogammaglobulinemia who developed osteomyelitis of the hip caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum. This article emphasizes the need for considering infection with Mycoplasma species in patients with antibody deficiency.

Adult↗

Anaphylaxis. A preventable emergency.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction that may be caused by a variety of agents. Diagnosis depends on the presence of a constellation of symptoms (eg, laryngeal edema, bronchospasm, hypotension, urticaria). The goal of therapy is maintenance of an effective airway, respiratory function, and circulation. Subcutaneous epinephrine, H1 and H2 antihistamines, and a prolonged period of observation (at least 8 hours) should be used in all patients. After the acute attack has been managed, a thorough investigation of possible causes should be made and the patient referred to a specialist, if indicated. Desensitization therapy, premedication before high-risk exposures, and careful avoidance of known causative agents are effective preventive measures. Direction in self-administration of epinephrine is critical in these patients and may prove lifesaving.

Acute Disease↗