Intravenous immunoglobulin as adjuvant therapy for COVID-19: A case report and literature review.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has infected and caused the death of an alarming number of individuals worldwide. No specific treatment has been internationally standardized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, in some cases, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used as adjuvant treatment in critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. We report a case of a 50-year-old man with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who received 5 days course of IVIG as adjuvant therapy. Invasive respiratory support was avoided. The patient had a successful recovery and was discharged without supplemental oxygen. A high dose of IVIG may improve survival in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. In the current report, we reviewed literature on how IVIG use may improve the early stages of the disease.

Bronchial hyperreactivity in non-atopic children with asthma and reflux: effect of anti-reflux treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) or the effect of anti-reflux treatment on BHR in children with asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not known. METHODS: Thirty non-atopic children with persistent asthma were studied. Extended esophageal pH monitoring was used to diagnose GERD and methacholine challenge test (MCT) was used as a marker of BHR and performed before and 2 years after anti-GERD treatment. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients positive for GERD (group A), 15 had positive MCT suggesting BHR. Of the 9 patients negative for GERD (group B), 5 had positive MCT. On repeat testing 2 years later, 11/15 group A patients and 3/5 group B patients tested negative for BHR. Group A patients were receiving fewer asthma medications and experienced fewer exacerbations than Group B patients. CONCLUSIONS: BHR is prevalent in children with asthma and GERD and improves with anti-GERD treatment.

Associated factors in children with chronic cough.

BACKGROUND: Children presenting with chronic cough are common to the primary care physicians, but data on the etiology are scant. METHODS: We evaluated 40 children (age range, 5 to 12 years) with chronic cough (> 8 weeks duration) with no obvious cause who were referred by their primary care physicians. All patients underwent an extensive multispecialty workup that included pulmonary, GI, allergy, immunology, and otorhinolaryngology testing. Response to treatment was quantified pretreatment and 8 weeks after treatment by using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Positive diagnostic test results were noted for gastroesophageal reflux disease (27.5%), allergy (22.5%), asthma (12.5%), infection (5%), aspiration (2.5%), and multiple etiologies (20%). Appropriate treatment for these factors resulted in a significant improvement in cough. CONCLUSION: Reflux, allergy, and asthma accounted for > 80% of the likely etiologic factors of chronic cough in children and responded to appropriate treatment.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma in children.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs in about two thirds of children with asthma. It may simply represent a concomitant unrelated finding or it may be responsible for provoking or worsening asthma. GERD could also be a byproduct of asthma itself. In any case, aggressive treatment of GERD seems to improve asthma outcomes. GERD should be suspected in asthma patients who do not have any known risk factors or those who are becoming difficult to treat.