Recent advances in asthma

Low intake of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of childhood wheezing and asthma. Most previous trials of this issue have been underpowered, with inconclusive results. This randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up evaluated the effects of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation during pregnancy on the risk of wheeze and asthma in offspring. At 24 weeks' gestation, 736 pregnant women were assigned to supplementation with fish oil, containing 2.4 g of n-3 LCPUFA, or olive oil.

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Home-based subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy vs hospital-based intravenous immunoglobulin therapy: A prospective economic analysis

Home-based subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) administration used for immunoglobulin replacement therapy for patients with primary immunodeficiency has been demonstrated to have benefits compared with hospital-based intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy.

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Authors' response

We appreciate the comments on our manuscript. Our study1 investigated the association between allergic sensitization and sleep outcomes in a sample of urban children with persistent asthma. In response to the submitted comments, we would like to clarify our rationale for the specific data analyses mentioned.

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Is the better part of valor truly discretion?

Peanut allergy affects 1.4% to 4.5% of children, depending on the study and methodology. Self-reported estimates have shown an alarming 3-fold increase in US populations over 10 years, whereas UK data from a longitudinal birth cohort with challenge-based evidence have not reflected such an alarming increase.1–4 Unfortunately, for years, the common peanut allergy management paradigm was to strictly avoid any potential exposure (including trace amounts) and carry self-injectable epinephrine. Now, we find the field on the cusp of what could be 2 therapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of peanut allergy in children in late 2018 or early 2019 (a commercial low-dose oral immunotherapy [OIT] capsule and an epicutaneous patch).

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Patterns of electronic cigarette use in youth with asthma: Results from a nationally representative sample

The prevalence of electronic cigarette (EC) use among youth in the United States is rising, with an estimated 4.3% of middle and 11.3% of high school students reporting EC use in 2016.1 Harm perception and family tobacco use could be contributing factors.2 Approximately 1 in 3 middle and high school students in the United States believe EC use is less harmful than cigarettes, regardless of smoking status.2 Adolescents who currently use ECs or have a family member who uses tobacco products are more likely to endorse ECs as less harmful than cigarettes.

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Contribution of an impaired epithelial barrier to the atopic march

Allergic childhood diseases exhibit a high degree of comorbidity. The concept of the atopic march is based on observations that eczema tends to precede later development of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). The causal nature of this progression, however, remains a topic of debate. It has been suggested that the atopic march is initiated through eczema in early childhood and that eczema promotes the development of food and airway allergies by driving systemic sensitization through a compromised epithelial barrier.

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Editorial Board

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