Eficacia y seguridad de la combinación de fexofenadina con montelukast en el tratamiento de la rinitis alérgica / Efficacy and safety of combined therapy of fexofenadine and montelukast for the treatment of allergic rhinitis

El propósito de este trabajo fue revisar la literatura científica que evalúa la eficacia y seguridad de las monoterapias de fexofenadina y montelukast, la terapia combinada (fija o en asociación) de montelukast - fexofenadina, así como de montelukast con otros antihistamínicos de segunda generación en el tratamiento de la rinitis alérgica. Se realizó una estrategia de búsqueda bibliográfica de múltiples etapas, en donde se identificaron estudios basados en ensayos clínicos y estudios no aleatorizados (ensayo controlado no aleatorizado, controlado antes-después, de series de tiempo interrumpidas, con controles históricos, de cohorte, de casos y controles, estudio transversal, y series de casos) en pacientes con rinitis alérgica, en las bases de datos MEDLINE/ PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Biblioteca Cochrane, Redalyc y Colección BVS y debido a la cantidad de resultados obtenidos se incluyó la búsqueda en Hinari. Con base en esta revisión se concluye que las combinaciones de antihistamínicos de segunda generación y antagonistas de leucotrienos y, en particular, la combinación fija de fexofenadina ­ montelukast es eficaz, segura y favorece la adherencia al tratamiento, y a largo plazo también ayuda a alcanzar el objetivo terapéutico.

The purpose of this work was to review the scientific literature that evaluates the efficacy and safety of monotherapies of fexofenadine and montelukast, the combined therapy (fixed-dose or separate drug combinations) of montelukast-fexofenadine, as well as the use of montelukast together with other second-generation antihistamines in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. A multistage literature search strategy was designed, including clinical trials and non-randomized studies (non-randomized controlled trial, controlled before-after study, interrupted time series study, historical control study, cohort study, case-control study, crosssectional study, and case series) evaluating patients with allergic rhinitis. The databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Redalyc, BVS Collection, and, due to the number of results obtained, Hinari were included. Based on this review, the conclusion is that the combinations of secondgeneration antihistamines with leukotriene antagonists and, in particular, the fixed combination of fexofenadine-montelukast are effective, safe and promote treatment adherence. In the long term, they also help achieve therapeutic goals.

Tratamento da UCE refratária aos anti-histamínicos e na impossibilidade do omalizumabe, nos adultos / Treatment of CSU refractory to antihistamines and in the impossibility of omalizumab therapy in adults

Há o empenho contínuo de especialistas no desenvolvimento de tratamentos resolutivos ou eficazes nos controles das doenças, no entanto, a entidade urticária crônica espontânea (UCE), quando refratária à primeira linha de tratamento, os anti-histamínicos, apresenta um prognóstico desfavorável. Existe um arsenal de medicamentos biológicos disponíveis já consolidados como eficazes e seguros, porém eventualmente nos defrontamos com a inacessibilidade a estes medicamentos, devido aos custos dos mesmos e aos trâmites necessários para dar início ao tratamento. Tais fatos fundamentam a discussão sobre terapias alternativas com outros fármacos, visando manter o manejo adequado da doença e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Specialists have made a continuous effort for the development of effective treatments for disease control; however, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), when refractory to the first line of treatment, ie, antihistamines, has an unfavorable prognosis. There are biological medicines available, which have been consolidated as effective and safe, but we are occasionally faced with a lack of access to these medicines due to their costs and the necessary procedures to start treatment. Such facts support the discussion about alternative therapies with other drugs, aiming at maintaining the adequate management of the disease and the quality of life of patients.

Reacciones adversas a montelukast: de la teoría a la práctica. Serie de casos / Adverse drug reactions of montelukast: from theory to practice. Case report

El montelukast se utiliza ampliamente en el tratamiento de sibilancias recurrentes y/o asma. Están descritas numerosas reacciones adversas medicamentosas (RAM) en niños relacionadas con montelukast; se destacan las neuropsiquiátricas. Realizamos un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, descriptivo, sobre RAM relacionadas con montelukast. Entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2017, en la Unidad de Neumonología Pediátrica se trataron con Montelukast 348 pacientes; de ellos, 20 presentaron RAM. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron insomnio (n = 7), hiperactividad (n = 4), pesadillas (n = 3), dolor abdominal (n = 2) y parestesias en extremidades (n = 2). Se presentaron desde días hasta meses tras iniciar el tratamiento, y desaparecieron tras su suspensión. Se destacan dos pacientes con parestesias en extremidades, síntoma no descrito antes en niños. El 5,7 % de los pacientes tratados con montelukast presentaron RAM que requirieron suspender el tratamiento. Los trastornos del sueño fueron los más frecuentes.

Montelukast is widely used in recurrent wheezing and/or asthma treatment. Several adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have been described in children related to montelukast. Neuropsychiatric reactions are one of the most important. We designed an observational, retrospective, descriptive study on ADRs related to montelukast in the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain. Between January 2012 and December 2017, in the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, 348 patients were treated with Montelukast; of them, 20 presented RAM. The main symptoms described were insomnia (n = 7), hyperactivity (n = 4), nightmares (n = 3), abdominal pain (n = 2) and paraesthesia in extremities (n = 2). They appeared from the first days to months after the start of treatment and disappeared after stopping it. Two patients presented limb paresthesia, not described previously in children. The 5.7 % of our patients treated with montelukast had ADRs that required treatment discontinuation. Sleep disorders were the most frequent.

Efeito tempo-dose-resposta do montelucaste no processo de reparo alveolar em camundongos 129Sv/Ev / Time-dose-response effect of Montelukast in the process of alveolar repair in 129Sv / Ev mice

Metabólitos do ácido araquidônico são conhecidos por exercerem importante papel nos processos inflamatórios e no metabolismo do tecido ósseo. No entanto, as ações pontuais, especialmente dos leucotrienos derivados da 5-lipoxigenase (5-LO) sobre o processo de reparo ósseo intramembranoso são pouco exploradas. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar os efeitos tempo-dose-resposta da droga montelucaste (MTK), potente antagonista dos receptores de cisteinil leucotrienos tipo 1 (CisLT1Rs), no curso do reparo alveolar pós-exodontia em camundongos 129Sv/Ev, bem como nos níveis plasmáticos de marcadores ósseos bioquímicos. Para tanto, foram utilizados 70 camundongos machos jovens divididos em quatro grupos, de acordo com o tratamento: C - Grupo Controle (não tratados); CV - Grupo Controle Veículo, 20 µL de solução fisiológica (SF) 0,9%; MTK2 ­2 mg/kg de MTK e MTK4 ­ 4 mg/kg de MTK. Os animais dos grupos CV, MTK2 e MTK4 foram tratados diariamente por via oral, iniciando 24 horas antes do procedimento cirúrgico, continuando até o final dos períodos experimentais de 7, 14 e 21 dias pós-operatórios. Ao final dos períodos determinados, os animais foram submetidos à eutanásia para coleta de sangue para análise bioquímica dos níveis de cálcio, fosfato, fosfatase ácida resistente ao tartarato (TRAP) total e fosfatase alcalina (FAL), coleta da maxila direita contendo os alvéolos dentários para serem analisados por meio de microtomografia computadorizada (microCT), e análise histopatológica. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à testes estatísticos considerando-se nível de confiança de 5%. Observou-se aumento do BV/TV para os animais tratados com MTK em relação aos grupos C e CV, tanto aos 14 dias quanto aos 21 dias, sendo maior no grupo MTK4 aos 14 dias em relação ao grupo MTK2. Do mesmo modo, os animais tratados com MTK em ambas doses apresentaram aumento significativo de Tb.Th em comparação aos grupos C e CV aos 21 dias. Chamou a atenção valores de BV/TV e Tb.Th significativamente reduzidos no grupo CV em comparação ao C, indicando um efeito negativo da manipulação do animal. Na análise histopatológica observou-se reparo ósseo precoce nos animais MTK2 e MTK4 em todos os períodos avaliados, em comparação aos do grupo C, bem como atraso no processo de reparo no grupo CV aos 21 dias. Quanto aos marcadores plasmáticos, observou-se aumento do cálcio no grupo MTK4 em relação ao grupo C aos 7 dias, e aos 21 dias também em relação ao grupo MTK2. Já o fosfato mostrouse significantemente elevado nos períodos de 7 e 21 dias no grupo MTK2 em relação aos demais grupos. FAL e TRAP total não apresentaram níveis plasmáticos significativamente diferentes comparando-se os grupos e períodos. Considerando os resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que o MTK exerceu efeito tempo-dose-dependente, acelerando o processo de reparo ósseo intramembranoso alveolar e interferindo nos níveis plasmáticos de cálcio e fosfato no presente modelo animal(AU)

Arachidonic acid metabolites are known to play an important role in inflammatory processes and in bone metabolism. However, the role of these products on alveolar bone repair post tooth extraction remains to be explored, especially leukotrienes, derived from 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). The present study aims to analyze the time-doseresponse effects of the drug montelukast (MTK), a potent type 1 leukotriene cystenyl antagonist (CisLT1Rs), in the alveolar repair process after extraction in male 129Sv/Ev mice. For this purpose, 70 young male mice were used, divided into four groups: C - Control Group (no treatment); VC - Vehicle Control Group, treated with 20 µL of 0.9% SF; MTK2 - treated with 2mg / Kg of MTK and MTK4 - treated with 4mg / Kg of MTK. The animals of the CV, MTK2 and MTK4 groups were treated daily orally (V.O.), starting 24 hours before the surgical procedure, continuing until the end of the experimental periods of 7, 14 and 21 days postoperatively. At the end of the experimental periods, the animals were euthanized for blood collection for serum markers as calcium, phosphate, tartrate-resistant acid phosphate (TRAP) and alkaline phosphatasis (FAL), and to removal of the right maxilla containing the dental socket to be analyzed under computed microtomography (microCT) and histopathology. The results obtained were subjected to statistical tests considering a confidence level of 5%. Results revealed an increase in BV/TV for MTK vs. C and CV groups, in both 14 and 21 days time points. Of note, this increase was higher in MTK4 than in the MTK2 at 14 days. Considering Tb.Th, both MTK2 e MTK4 groups presented positive effects in the BV/TV and Tb.Th increase when compared to controls groups (C and CV) at 21 days. A decrease in BV/TV and Tb.Th was observed in CV compared to C, as a negative effect of animal manipulation. As observed in H&E sections, both MTK2 and MTK4 experimental groups presented an early bone repair in comparison with C group from 7 to 21 days. CV group presented a slight delayed bone healing compared to C. Levels of calcium was increased in MTK4 in comparison to C and MTK2 at 7 and 21 days. Phosphate was significantly elevated at 7 and 21 days in MTK2 in comparison to the other groups. Despite of beneficial effects on observed on morphological levels on sites of healing (microCT and HE), no significant changes were found for bone markers of remodeling in blood plasma (FAL and TRAP). Taken together, these results indicate that MTK induced early bone healing post tooth extraction in 129Sv/Ev mice. Thus, the inhibition of CysLT is suggested to exert a positive influence on intramembranous bone repair post tooth extraction(AU)

Fatores associados ao sexo para sibilância recorrente e asma / Sex-related factors for recurrent wheezing and asthma

Nas últimas décadas, consolidou-se o conhecimento da heterogeneidade de fatores associados à asma. Sexo, condições ambientais, genética, raça, obesidade, questões hormonais e imunológicas influenciam sintomas e resposta ao tratamento da asma. Associação entre asma e obesidade é observada em adultos e crianças e parece ser muito mais consistente no sexo feminino. As mulheres adultas também apresentam maior prevalência de asma em comparação aos homens, e têm três vezes mais chances de hospitalização, o que é mantido até a menopausa. Mulheres são mais afetadas quando expostas ao tabagismo passivo e ativo, e, nos meninos, a exposição intrauterina ao tabaco tem maior influência negativa no crescimento de vias aéreas. Homens e mulheres apresentam diferenças em relação ao envolvimento de pequenas vias aéreas. Os homens apresentaram mais aprisionamento aéreo induzido pela metacolina, enquanto as mulheres têm frações mais elevadas de óxido nítrico exalado. Mulheres apresentam maior diversidade de polimorfismos genéticos associados à asma. Quanto à resposta ao tratamento, homens respondem melhor funcionalmente, com aumento do VEF1, quando utilizam corticoides inalatórios. Meninos entre 2-9 anos respondem melhor aos antagonistas de leucotrienos, resposta que se inverte e passa a ser mais significativa em meninas entre 10-14 anos. O enfoque do manejo atual da sibilância recorrente e da asma deve levar em consideração aspectos individuais específicos, que variam entre homens e mulheres, e que impactam no tratamento e prognóstico da doença.

In recent decades, knowledge of the heterogeneity of asthma-related factors has been consolidated. Sex, environmental conditions, genetics, race, obesity, and hormonal and immunological factors influence symptoms and response to the treatment of asthma. The association between asthma and obesity is seen in adults and children and appears to be much more consistent in women. Adult women also have a higher prevalence of asthma compared to men and are three times more likely to be hospitalized, which persists until menopause. Women are more affected when exposed to passive and active smoking and, in boys, intrauterine tobacco exposure has a greater negative influence on airway growth. Men and women differ in terms of involvement of small airways. Men present with greater methacholine-induced air trapping, while women have higher fractions of exhaled nitric oxide. Women show a greater diversity of genetic polymorphisms associated with asthma. As for treatment response, men respond better functionally, with increased forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) when using inhaled corticosteroids. Boys aged 2-9 years respond better to leukotriene antagonists, a response that is then reversed and becomes more significant in girls aged 10-14 years. The current approach to recurrent wheezing and asthma must take specific aspects into account, which vary between men and women and impact the treatment and prognosis of the disease.

Informe diário de evidências COVID-19: busca realizada em 19 de maio de 2020 / COVID-19 daily evidence report: search conducted on May 19, 2020

O Informe Diário de Evidências é uma produção do Ministério da Saúde que tem como objetivo acompanhar diariamente as publicações científicas sobre tratamento farmacológico e vacinas para a COVID-19. Dessa forma, são realizadas buscas estruturadas em bases de dados biomédicas, referente ao dia anterior desse informe. Não são incluídos estudos pré-clínicos (in vitro, in vivo, in silico). A frequência dos estudos é demonstrada de acordo com a sua classificação metodológica (revisões sistemáticas, ensaios clínicos randomizados, coortes, entre outros). Para cada estudo é apresentado um resumo com avaliação da qualidade metodológica. Essa avaliação tem por finalidade identificar o grau de certeza/confiança ou o risco de viés de cada estudo. Para tal, são utilizadas ferramentas já validadas e consagradas na literatura científica, na área de saúde baseada em evidências. Cabe ressaltar que o documento tem caráter informativo e não representa uma recomendação oficial do Ministério da Saúde sobre a temática. Foram encontrados 19 artigos e 17 protocolos.

Exercise-Induced bronchoconstriction and therapeutic modulation in Iraqi Girls Intermediate School Students

EIB (Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction) describes the narrowing that accurs in the airway follow a short period of exercise. EIB is found in 8-10% of normal children population as occult bronchospasm during or after physical activities. The mecanisms of EIB are related to rapid ventilation and mouth brathing which cause beat and water loss during breathing leading to bronchoconstriction. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) measured pre and post-exercise in students aged 12-16 years in girl intrmediate school. Any female shows PEFR values reduction 15% after 6 minutes continuous free running considered as asthmatic patient, this give an incidence rate of asthmatic patient of 9% in female students in this age. Treatment of EIB, Zafirlukast treatment gives (85.7%) protection rate. While salbutamol inhalation gives a protection rate 88%. Only 66.6% of girls with EIB give an improvement in PEFR values after sodium cromoglycate treatment. A regular measurement of PEFR in school students appears to be a good indicator of EIB, while inhalation of salbutaol 15 minutes before exercise give a good protection against EIB attacks at least for 4 hours (AU)

Prescription Patterns and Burden of Pediatric Asthma in Korea

PURPOSE: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, prescription pattern and burden of pediatric asthma in Korea by analyzing the National Health Insurance (NHI) claims data. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the insurance claim records from the Korean NHI claims database from January 2010 to December 2014. Asthmatic patients were defined as children younger than 18 years, with appropriate 10th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases codes (J45 or J46) and a prescription for 1 or more asthma maintenance medications at the same date. Hospitalization and emergency department visits for asthma were defined as use of short-acting beta2-agonists during hospital visits among asthmatic patients. RESULTS: There were 1,172,807 asthmatic children in 2010, which increased steadily to 1,590,228 in 2014 in Korea. The prevalence showed an increasing trend annually for all ages. The mean prevalence by age in those older than 2 years decreased during the study period (from 39.4% in the 2–3 year age group to 2.6% in the 15–18 year age group). In an outpatient prescription, leukotriene receptor antagonists were the most commonly prescribed medication for all ages. Patients older than 6 years for whom inhaled corticosteroids were prescribed comprised less than 15% of asthmatic patients. The total direct medical cost for asthma between 2010 and 2014 ranged from $376 to $483 million. Asthma-related medical cost per person reached its peak in $366 in 2011 and decreased to $275 in 2014. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pediatric asthma increased annually and decreased with age. Individual cost of asthma showed a decreasing trend in Korean children.

Association of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 gene polymorphism with bronchial asthma and response to montelukast in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the association of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (PLA2G4) rs932476 polymorphism with the development of bronchial asthma and the response to montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, in children.@*METHODS@#A total of 128 children with bronchial asthma were enrolled as case group, and 100 healthy children were enrolled as control group. The genotype and allele frequencies of PLA2G4 rs932476 were compared between the two groups. The children in the case group were administered with montelukast except routine treatment for 2 months, and the changes in serum levels of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), interleukin-4 (IL-4), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), pulmonary function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) after treatment were observed.@*RESULTS@#There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of PLA2G4 rs932476 between the case and control groups, as well as between the groups with different severities of asthma (P>0.05). After treatment, the children with AA genotype had a significantly higher overall response rate than those with GG genotype. After treatment, the case group had significant reductions in the serum levels of IgE and IL-4 and a significant increase in the level of IFN-γ (P<0.05). After treatment, the children with GG genotype had a higher serum level of IL-4 and a lower level of IFN-γ than those with AA genotype. After treatment, the case group had significant increases in pulmonary function parameters, and the children with AA genotype had significantly higher parameters than those with GG genotype. The case group had a significant reduction in the level of FeNO, and the children with AA genotype had a significantly lower level than those with GG genotype after treatment. The case group had a significantly higher serum level of LTB4 than the control group before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment the case group had a significant reduction in the serum level of LTB4 (P<0.05). The children with GG genotype had a significantly higher level of LTB4 than those with AA genotype after treatment (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#PLA2G4 rs932476 polymorphism is not associated with the susceptibility and severity of bronchial asthma in children, but it may has certain influence on children's response to the leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast, possibly by affecting the level of LTB4.

Characteristics of Adult Severe Refractory Asthma in Korea Analyzed From the Severe Asthma Registry

PURPOSE: Although mild to moderate asthma is much more common, the morbidity and mortality of severe asthma are much higher. This study was performed to identify and analyze the clinical characteristics of severe asthma in Korea. METHODS: We registered patients with severe refractory asthma into the Severe Asthma Registry supported by the Severe Asthma Work Group of the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Patients were enrolled since 2010 from the 15 university hospitals nationwide in Korea. Severe asthma was defined according to modified European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society criteria. Information on demographics, medical history, pulmonary function tests and skin prick tests was collected; the clinical characteristics of severe asthmatics were analyzed from the collected data. RESULTS: A total of 489 patients were enrolled with a mean age of 62.3; 45% are male. Sixty percent of patients received Global Initiative for Asthma step 4 treatment, and 30% received step 5 treatment. The most common comorbidities were allergic rhinitis (58.7%). Aspirin hypersensitivity was observed in 14.0%. Approximately half (53.9%) are non-smokers. Atopy was proven in 38.5% of the patients. Regarding asthma medications, inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β-agonist combination inhalers were most commonly prescribed (96.5%), followed by leukotriene antagonists (71.0%). A recombinant anti-immunoglobulin E monoclonal antibody (omalizumab) has been used in 1.8% of the patients. The mean forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC were 78.7%, 67.5% and 67.9% of predicted values, respectively. The mean Asthma Control Test and quality of life questionnaire scores were 16.5 out of 25 and 59.5 out of 85, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The baseline characteristics of severe asthma patients in the Korea Severe Asthma Registry were analyzed and reported for the first time. With this cohort, further prospective studies should be performed to search for ways to improve management of severe refractory asthma.

Successful Remission of Recurrent Anaphylaxis after Omalizumab Administration in a Patient with Systemic Mastocytosis / 대한내과학회지

Mastocytosis is a disorder characterized by abnormal mast cell proliferation and accumulation in one or more tissues. It presents in two major variants: cutaneous mastocytosis and systemic mastocytosis. Because the symptoms are related to mast cells, histamine receptor antagonists and leukotriene receptor antagonists are recommended as therapeutic options. Here, we report a 54-year-old male patient with a history of urticaria pigmentosa who presented with recurrent anaphylaxis. His serum tryptase level was 31.7 ng/mL and mast cell infiltration was observed in his bone marrow. He had frequent attacks of anaphylaxis despite treatment with ketotifen, levocetirizine, and montelukast. Symptoms related to systemic mastocytosis were controlled and the patient exhibited no recurrence of anaphylaxis following the introduction of monthly omalizumab injection. Omalizumab can be considered as a treatment option in patients with systemic mastocytosis unresponsive to conventional oral medications.

Effects of cysteinyl leukotrienes receptor antagonists on chronic brain injury after global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#: To investigate the effects of cysteinyl leukotrienes receptor (CysLTR) antagonists on global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury in gerbils, and to explore its mechanism.@*METHODS@#: Totally 40 gerbils weighting 45-65 g were randomized into sham, saline, Pranlukast and HAMI 3379 groups with 10 animals in each. The CI/R model was established in gerbils by bilateral common carotid occlusion for 10 min followed by reperfusion. After ischemia, the CysLTR antagonists Pranlukast (0.1 mg/kg) and HAMI 3379 (0.1 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally for 5 consecutive days in the last two groups,while the former two groups were injected with saline only (10 mL/kg). After 24 h or 14 d reperfusion, neurological deficit score was evaluated and the behavioral dysfunction was assessed, respectively. And 14 d after reperfusion, the neuron morphology of cerebral cortex was observed in brain sections stained with Cresyl violet. In addition, the Iba-1 (microgila) and GFAP (astrocyte) positive cells in cerebral cortex were observed by using immunohistochemitry method.@*RESULTS@#: CI/R models were successfully established in 21 out of 30 gerbils with 7 in saline group, 6 in Pranlukast group, and 8 in HAMI 3379 group. Compared with saline group, Pranlukast and HAMI 3379 significantly attenuated neurological deficits, improved the behavioral function 24 h after reperfusion(all 0.05). In addition, Pranlukast and HAMI 3379 also inhibited the neuron loss and injury, suppressed microgila and astrocyte activation 14 d after reperfusion(all <0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#: CysLTR antagonists Pranlukast and HAMI 3379 have long-term neuroprotective effect on chronic brain injury induced by global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in gerbils.

Position statement of the Brazilian Academy of Rhinology on the use of antihistamines, antileukotrienes, and oral corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory sinonasal diseases / Posicionamento da Academia Brasileira de Rinologia sobre o uso de anti-histamínicos, antileucotrienos e corticosteroides orais no tratamento de doenças inflamatórias nasossinusais

Abstract Introduction: Inflammatory conditions of the nose and paranasal sinuses are very prevalent in the general population, resulting in marked loss of quality of life in affected patients, as well as significant work, leisure, and social activity losses. These patients require specific and specialized treatment. A wide range of oral medications are available. Objective: The present document is aimed to clarify, for professionals treating patients with inflammatory sinonasal diseases, both specialists and general practitioners, specific oral therapies in noninfectious nasal inflammatory conditions. Methods: The methodology used to create this article included the search for the key words: oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, antileukotrienes, rhinitis, rhinosinusitis in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases in the last 5 years. Since no relevant article was found for the text on the subject of interest in the last 5 years, the search was extended for another 5 years, and so on, according to the authors’ needs. Results: Relevant literature was found regarding the use of antihistamines, antileukotrienes and oral corticosteroids in these conditions. The Brazilian Academy of Rhinology emphasizes, after extensive discussion by the collegiate, key points in the treatment with these drugs. Conclusion: There is support in the literature for the use of these drugs; however, final considerations about the role of each of them have been made.

Resumo Introdução: As afecções inflamatórias do nariz e dos seios paranasais são muito prevalentes na população geral, causam acentuada perda de qualidade de vida dos pacientes afetados, geram perdas significativas das atividades de trabalho, lazer e sociais. Esses pacientes necessitam de tratamento específico e especializado e uma ampla gama de medicações orais está disponível. Objetivo: O presente documento tem por objetivo esclarecer àqueles que tratam das doenças nasossinusais inflamatórias, tanto especialistas quanto generalistas, sobre as terapêuticas orais nas afecções inflamatórias nasais não infecciosas. Método: A metodologia usada para elaboração deste artigo incluiu a busca das palavras chave: corticosteroides orais, anti-histamínicos, antileucotrienos, rinite, rinossinusite nos bancos de dados Medline e Embase nos últimos 5 anos. Como não foi achado artigo relevante para o texto sobre o assunto de interesse nos últimos 5 anos, a busca foi estendida por mais 5 anos, e assim por diante, de acordo com a necessidade dos autores. Resultados: Literatura relevante foi encontrada com relação ao uso dos anti-histamínicos, antileucotrienos e corticosteroides orais nessas afecções. A Academia Brasileira de Rinologia ressalta, após amplo debate do colegiado, pontos-chave no tratamento com esses medicamentos. Conclusão: Há respaldo na literatura para o uso desses medicamentos, entretanto considerações finais acerca do papel de cada deles foram feitas.

Pranlukast reduces asthma exacerbations during autumn especially in 1- to 5-year-old boys

BACKGROUND: Leukotriene receptor antagonists have been used to prevent virus-induced asthma exacerbations in autumn. Its efficacy, however, might differ with age and sex. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether pranlukast added to usual asthma therapy in Japanese children during autumn, season associated with the peak of asthma, reduces asthma exacerbations. It was also evaluated the effect of age and sex on pranlukast's efficacy. METHODS: A total of 121 asthmatic children aged 1 to 14 years were randomly assigned to receive regular pranlukast or not according to sex, and were divided in 2 age groups, 1–5 years and 6–14 years. The primary outcome was total asthma score calculated during 8 weeks by using a sticker calendar related to the days in which a child experienced a worsening of asthma symptoms. This open study lasted 60 days from September 15 to November 14, 2007. RESULTS: Significant differences in pranlukast efficacy were observed between sex and age groups. Boys aged 1 to 5 years had the lower total asthma score at 8 weeks (p = 0.002), and experienced fewer cold episodes (p = 0.007). There were no significant differences between pranlukast and control group in total asthma score at 8 weeks (p = 0.35), and in the days in which a child experienced a worsening of asthma symptoms (p = 0.67). CONCLUSION: There was a substantial benefit of adding pranlukast to usual therapy in asthmatic children, especially in boys aged 1 to 5 years, during autumn season.

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Pathogenesis and Treatment Considerations

The treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria begins with antihistamines; however, the dose required typically exceeds that recommended for allergic rhinitis. Second-generation, relatively non-sedating H1-receptor blockers are typically employed up to 4 times a day. First-generation antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine or diphenhydramine (Atarax or Benadryl), were employed similarly in the past. Should high-dose antihistamines fail to control symptoms (at least 50%), omalizumab at 300 mg/month is the next step. This is effective in 70% of antihistamine-refractory patients. H₂-receptor blockers and leukotriene antagonists are no longer recommended; they add little and the literature does not support significant efficacy. For those patients who are unresponsive to both antihistamines and omalizumab, cyclosporine is recommended next. This is similarly effective in 65%–70% of patients; however, care is needed regarding possible side-effects on blood pressure and renal function. Corticosteroids should not be employed chronically due to cumulative toxicity that is dose and time dependent. Brief courses of steroid e.g., 3–10 days can be employed for severe exacerbations, but should be an infrequent occurrence. Finally, other agents, such as dapsone or sulfasalazine, can be tried for those patients unresponsive to antihistamines, omalizumab, and cyclosporine.

Asthma Severity and the Controller Prescription in Children at 12 Tertiary Hospitals

PURPOSE: Guidelines need to be tailored to where they are applied. We aimed to describe the distinctive asthma severity profile and the pattern of controller prescription in Korean children. METHODS: Twelve pediatric allergists from tertiary medical centers reviewed medical records of all asthmatic children who visited their clinics between September 1 and November 30 of 2013. Controller prescriptions were re-classified into 4 categories, then the prevalence of each asthma severity category and the controller prescription patterns according to asthma severity assessed by a Western (Global Initiative for Asthma, GINA) and an Asia-Pacific (Japanese Pediatric GuideLine, JPGL) guideline were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 840 cases were reviewed. Both GINA and JPGL revealed that 328 (39.0%) and 249 (29.6%) subjects had intermittent asthma whereas 24 (2.9%) and 21 (2.5%) subjects had severe persistent asthma, respectively. Although higher category controllers tended to be prescribed to those who had more severe asthma, there was much overlap in categories of prescribed controllers between groups with regard to asthma severities. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) was the most frequently prescribed as a single controller (40%) or as an add-on medication (19%) in the group of asthmatic children <6 years. CONCLUSIONS: Korean children have distinctive patterns of asthma severity and management strategies with a lower prevalence of severe asthma and a preference toward LTRA rather than low dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) alone or add-on long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) in the group of <6 year-old asthmatics that has not been predicted in Western countries. Thus, strategies tailored to regional situations need to be developed and recommended.

A Survey of Korean Physicians’ Prescription Patterns for Allergic Rhinitis

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the prescription patterns according to characteristics of physicians using a survey distributed amongst physicians in Korea. METHODS: We surveyed the prescription patterns for allergic rhinitis (AR) of the members of the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology (KAAACI) and the Korean Association of Otorhinolaryngologists (KAO). Questionnaire contained 4 categories with 28 queries. 448 physicians including 98 internal medicine (IM), 113 pediatrics (PED), and 237 otorhinolaryngology (ENT) were responded. RESULTS: Although the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines are most frequently used in all specialties, seasonal or perennial AR is the most frequent classification system. For the definitive diagnosis of AR, ENT physicians reported using multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST)/radio allergy sorbent test (RAST) more than others (IM, 10.9%; PED, 20.6%; ENT, 44.2%; P < 0.001). In treatment, most physicians reported that antihistamine medication is the initial treatment for AR. PED physicians prescribed fewer intranasal steroid to combinations with an antihistamine than other specialists (IM, 65.3%; PED, 42.5%; ENT, 63.3%), but preferred leukotriene antagonists (IM, 4.1%; PED, 23.0%; ENT, 3.9%; P=0.041). Overall, 53% (235/448) of the physicians performed allergen immunotherapy (AIT), and IM administers the most AIT (IM, 71.6%; PED, 42.0%; ENT, 39.5%; P=0.019). Furthermore, university and general hospital physicians prescribed more AIT than doctors at other hospital types (university hospital, 76.4%; general hospital, 64.3%; local hospital, 21.4%; private clinic, 20.2%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prescription patterns for AR were different according to the physicians’ characteristics and general rate of prescribing AIT is just about 53% in Korea. Thus, the development of complementary Korean-specific guidelines is needed and proper clinical instruction of AIT would be necessary.

Asma grave / Severe asthma

Heterogeneidade é um traço marcante da asma. Síndrome complexa, resulta da interligação de uma rede genética com fatores ambientais, o que gera um comportamento alterado das células estruturais e funcionais do trato respiratório que desemboca em diferentes processos inflamatórios. Como resultado final, distingue-se uma ampla gama de apresentações clínicas e desfechos terapêuticos. Estima-se que 5%-10% dos asmáticos sejam portadores de uma forma grave, caracterizada pelo controle insuficiente da disfunção, apesar do uso de doses elevadas de múltiplos medicamentos. Asmáticos graves têm taxas mais elevadas de idas a serviços de emergência, hospitalizações, absenteísmo e letalidade. Mesmo comprometendo uma parcela menor de pessoas, essa categoria responde pela maior parte dos gastos envolvidos com a asma. Com a identificação progressiva de novos alvos terapêuticos e consequente desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos, é possível que, num futuro próximo, possamos oferecer tratamento efetivo e maior qualidade de vida a essa parcela mais comprometida dos asmáticos.

Heterogeneity is a striking feature of asthma. Asthma is a complex syndrome, in which a link between a genetic network and environmental factors generates altered behavior of structural and functional cells of the respiratory tract that ends in different inflammatory processes. The result is a wide range of clinical presentations and therapeutic outcomes. It is estimated that 5%-10% of those with asthma suffer from a severe form characterized by insufficient control of the dysfunction, despite the use of high doses of multiple drugs. Those with severe asthma have higher rates of visits to the emergency services, hospitalizations, absenteeism and mortality. Despite those with severe asthma representing only a small percentage of the total, this group accounts for most of the expense associated with asthma. With the progressive identification of new therapeutic targets and the consequent development of new drugs, it is possible that in the near future, we can provide more effective treatment and improved quality of life for those with the more severe disease.

Montelukast reduces seizures in pentylenetetrazol-kindled mice

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) have been implicated in seizures and kindling; however, the effect of CysLT receptor antagonists on seizure frequency in kindled animals and changes in CysLT receptor expression after pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling have not been investigated. In this study, we evaluated whether the CysLT1 inverse agonist montelukast, and a classical anticonvulsant, phenobarbital, were able to reduce seizures in PTZ-kindled mice and alter CysLT receptor expression. Montelukast (10 mg/kg, sc) and phenobarbital (20 mg/kg, sc) increased the latency to generalized seizures in kindled mice. Montelukast increased CysLT1 immunoreactivity only in non-kindled, PTZ-challenged mice. Interestingly, PTZ challenge decreased CysLT2 immunoreactivity only in kindled mice. CysLT1 antagonists appear to emerge as a promising adjunctive treatment for refractory seizures. Nevertheless, additional studies are necessary to evaluate the clinical implications of this research.

Consenso de asma sob a forma de um mapa conceitual / Guidelines of asthma in the form of a concept map

Objetivo: o presente trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar sobre a forma de mapa conceitual o consenso de asma na Pediatria. Métodos: foi realizada a revisão do consenso GINA e apresentaram-se conjuntos de ideias e conceitos sobre o tema sob a forma de um mapa conceitual. Resultados: a asma é definida como doença inflamatória crônica de via aérea inferior. Seu diagnóstico em crianças é clínico e deve basear-se em história de sintomas característicos, exame físico e evidência de limitação variável do fluxo aéreo expiratório. A avaliação da asma baseia-se no controle dos sintomas após o tratamento adequado e na minimização dos riscos futuros que contribuem para a ocorrência de exacerbações e gravidade da sintomatologia. De acordo com nível de controle pode ser classificada em controlada, parcialmente controlada e fora de controle. O tratamento visa ao controle dos sintomas e à redução dos riscos futuros, mormente exacerbações ("crises"). O componente terapêutico não farmacológico fundamenta-se em tentar controlar os fatores de risco potencialmente evitáveis e o tratamento farmacológico é dividido em etapas que variam de um a cinco, com utilização de broncodilatadores de curta ação nas crises além corticoides inalatórios associados ou não a broncodilatadores de longa duração, antagonistas de leucotrienos e ainda anti-IgE na etapa 5. Conclusões: o médico, ao se deparar com uma criança com asma, deve acompanhar periodicamente a sua evolução, verificar os problemas e dificuldades existentes para o tratamento de maneira individualizada, adequando e analisando a resposta terapêutica passo a passo.(AU)

Objective: the present study aims to present in the form of a conceptual map consensus of asthma in Pediatrics. Methods: the GINA consensus review was performed. Issues and concepts about the theme were presented in the form of a map. Results: Asthma is defined chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airway. The diagnosis of asthma in children is clinical and must be based on a history of characteristic symptoms, physical examination, and evidence of expiratory air flow limitation. The evaluation of asthma is based on symptoms controls after proper treatment and the decrease of future risks that contribute to the occurrence of exacerbations and severity of symptoms. According to level of control can be classified into controlled, partly controlled and out of control. Treatment aims to control symptoms and reduce future risks; non-pharmacological treatment is based on trying to control the potentially avoidable risk factors; The pharmacological treatment is divided into steps ranging from 1 to 5 with use of short-acting bronchodilators for exacerbations, inhaled corticosteroids associated or not with the long-acting bronchodilators; leukotriene antagonists and also anti IgE in step 5. Conclusions: The doctor when faced with a child with asthma should periodically monitor its progress, check the problems and difficulties for the treatment analyzing therapeutic response step by step(AU)