Unmet needs in severe chronic upper airway disease (SCUAD)

Efficacy and safety of the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei LP-33 in allergic rhinitis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (GA2LEN Study)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

An imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cells is involved in allergic rhinitis (AR) that may be improved by probiotics. To test the efficacy of the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei LP-33, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was carried out in patients with AR to grass pollen treated with loratadine and presenting altered quality of life.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Subjects with persistent AR, symptomatic during the grass pollen season, and a positive skin test or specific immunoglobulin E to grass pollens were included by general practitioners (GPs). All received loratadine for 5 weeks. The primary end point was the improvement in Rhinitis Quality of Life (RQLQ) global score at the fifth week of LP-33 consumption compared with placebo (in addition to loratadine). Secondary end points included nasal and ocular symptoms (individual and total symptom scores), visual analogue scale and time of first exacerbation of the symptoms when loratadine was stopped.

RESULTS

A total of 425 subjects were included. Using intent-to-treat analysis, the RQLQ global score decreased significantly more in the LP-33 group than in the placebo group (P=0.0255, difference=-0.286 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.536; -0.035)). No significant differences were noted for the change of the rhinitis total symptom score 5 global score between groups (P=0.1288, difference=-0.452 (95% CI: -1.036; 0.132)). Significant differences in ocular symptoms (RQLQ) were observed between groups (P=0.0029, difference=-0.4087 (95% CI: -0.6768; -0.1407)).

CONCLUSIONS

This study performed by GPs shows that LP-33 improves the quality of life of subjects with persistent AR who are currently being treated with an oral H1-antihistamine. Whereas nasal symptoms had not changed, ocular symptoms had consistently improved.

Bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects of ASM-024, a nicotinic receptor ligand, developed for the treatment of asthma

Conventional asthma and COPD treatments include the use of bronchodilators, mainly β2-adrenergic agonists, muscarinic receptor antagonists and corticosteroids or leukotriene antagonists as anti-inflammatory agents. These active drugs are administered either separately or given as a fixed-dose combination medication into a single inhaler. ASM-024, a homopiperazinium compound, derived from the structural modification of diphenylmethylpiperazinium (DMPP), has been developed to offer an alternative mechanism of action that could provide symptomatic control through combined anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties in a single entity. A dose-dependent inhibition of cellular inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was observed in ovalbumin-sensitized mice, subsequently treated for 3 days by nose-only exposure with aerosolized ASM-024 at doses up to 3.8 mg/kg (ED₅₀ = 0.03 mg/kg). The methacholine ED₂₅₀ values indicated that airway hyperresponsivenness (AHR) to methacholine decreased following ASM-024 administration by inhalation at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg, with a value of 0.145±0.032 mg/kg for ASM 024-treated group as compared to 0.088±0.023 mg/kg for untreated mice. In in vitro isometric studies, ASM-024 elicited dose-dependent relaxation of isolated mouse tracheal, human, and dog bronchial preparations contracted with methacholine and guinea pig tracheas contracted with histamine. ASM-024 showed also a dose and time dependant protective effect on methacholine-induced contraction. Overall, with its combined anti-inflammatory, bronchodilating and bronchoprotective properties, ASM-024 may represent a new class of drugs with a novel pharmacological approach that could prove useful for the chronic maintenance treatment of asthma and, possibly, COPD.

Specialist-based treatment reduces the severity of allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Although the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) is now well established, its impact on severity has not yet been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to analyse specialist-based treatment on AR severity, nasal symptoms and quality of life.

METHODS

A longitudinal observational, prospective, multi-centre study with 4 weeks of follow-up was carried out by 141 allergologists and ENT specialists in Spain. Selection criteria were adult patients with AR, clinically diagnosed at least 2 years before, with a total nasal symptom score (TNSS) ≥5, not receiving either antihistamines within the previous week or nasal corticosteroids during the 2 previous weeks. Disease severity using both original Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (o-ARIA) and modified (m-ARIA) classifications, nasal symptoms, and Quality of Life (ESPRINT-15), were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

Among the recruited AR patients (n = 707, 58% women), 39.3% were intermittent and 60.7% persistent, 40.2% had asthma and 61.4% conjunctivitis. Most patients were treated with second generation antihistamines in monotherapy (63.2%) or in combination with intranasal corticosteroids (31.5%). While using o-ARIA, 96.9% of patients had 'moderate/severe' AR, the m-ARIA discriminated between 'moderate' (55.4%) and severe (41.5%) AR, at baseline. After 4 weeks of treatment, improvement was found on disease severity (P < 0.0001), TNSS (8.2 ± 1.8 vs. 3.5 ± 2.3, P < 0.0001) and Quality of Life (ESPRINT-15 global score: 3.0 ± 1.2 vs. 1.1 ± 1.0, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Specialist-based treatment reduces AR severity, evaluated using the m-ARIA classification for the first time, in addition to the improvement of nasal symptoms and quality of life.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Specialist-based treatment improves AR severity, in addition to nasal symptoms and quality of life. However, no matter the treatment option some AR patients remain severe and need further follow-up.

5-grass pollen tablets achieve disease control in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis unresponsive to drugs: a real-life study

Background

An important subpopulation in allergic rhinitis is represented by patients with severe form of disease that is not responsive to drug treatment. It has been reported that grass pollen subcutaneous immunotherapy is effective in drug-resistant patients. In a real-life study, we evaluated the efficacy of 5-grass pollen tablets in patients with grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis not responsive to drug therapy.

Methods

We carried out this multicenter observational study in adults and adolescents with grass-induced allergic rhinitis not responsive to drug therapy who were treated for a year with 5-grass pollen tablets. Clinical data collected before and after sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) included Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification of allergic rhinitis, response to therapy, and patient satisfaction.

Results

Forty-seven patients entered the study. By ARIA classification, three patients had moderate to severe intermittent allergic rhinitis, ten had mild persistent allergic rhinitis, and 34 had moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis. There were no cases of mild intermittent allergic rhinitis before SLIT. After SLIT, 33 patients had mild intermittent allergic rhinitis, none had moderate to severe intermittent allergic rhinitis, seven had mild persistent allergic rhinitis, and seven had moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis. The mean medication score decreased from 4.2±1.3 before to 2.4±2.0 after SLIT (P<0.01), representing a reduction of 42%. The response to treatment before SLIT was judged as poor by 70% of patients and very poor by 30%. Patient satisfaction was significantly increased after SLIT (P<0.01).

Conclusion

In real life, most patients with grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis not responsive to drug treatment can achieve control of the condition with one season of treatment using 5-grass pollen tablets.

The bitter taste receptor T2R38 is an independent risk factor for chronic rhinosinusitis requiring sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

The bitter taste receptor T2R38 was recently described to play a role in upper airway innate mucosal defense. When activated by bacterial quorum-sensing molecules, T2R38 stimulates the ciliated epithelial cells to produce nitric oxide (NO), resulting in bactericidal activity and an increase in mucociliary clearance (MCC). Polymorphisms within the T2R38 gene (TAS2R38) confer variability in activation of the receptor yielding dramatic differences in upper airway defensive responses (NO production and accelerated MCC) to microbial stimulation based on genotype. Our objective was to determine whether the nonprotective TAS2R38 polymorphisms, which render the receptor inactive, correlate with medically recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) necessitating surgical intervention in the context of known risk factors, and thus identify whether the TAS2R38 genotype is an independent risk factor for patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

METHODS

CRS patients undergoing primary FESS were prospectively genotyped for TAS2R38. Chi-square analysis was performed on the genotype distribution with respect to other risk factors, including allergies, asthma, nasal polyposis, aspirin sensitivity, diabetes, and smoking exposure.

RESULTS

Seventy primary FESS patients were genotyped demonstrating a statistically significant skewing from the expected distribution of the general population (p < 0.0383). CRS patients with a particular polymorphism seemed less likely to have allergies, asthma, nasal polyposis, aspirin sensitivity, and diabetes, but this did not demonstrate statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Our investigation suggests that TAS2R38 genotype is an independent risk factor for patients failing medical therapy, necessitating surgical intervention.

Three phenotypes of adult-onset asthma

RATIONALE

Adult-onset asthma differs from childhood-onset asthma in many respects. It is more heterogeneous, often severe and frequently associated with loss of lung function. To identify underlying mechanisms of adult-onset asthma and to capture predictors of disease progression, detailed characterization and phenotyping is necessary.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize adult-onset asthma and identify subphenotypes of adult-onset asthma.

METHODS

A cohort of 200 patients with adult-onset (>18 year) asthma (age 54 (26-75) year) was recruited from one academic and three nonacademic pulmonary outpatient clinics in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. These patients were fully characterized with respect to clinical, functional and inflammatory markers. After data reduction, K-means nonhierarchical cluster analysis was performed to identify clusters of adult-onset asthma.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patients with adult-onset asthma were predominately female (61%) and nonatopic (55%). Within this group of patients were identified three clusters of adult-onset asthma. Cluster 1 (n = 69) consisted of patients with severe eosinophilic inflammation-predominant asthma and persistent airflow limitation despite high-intensity anti-inflammatory treatment, with relatively low symptom scores. The second cluster was characterized by obese women with frequent symptoms, high healthcare utilization and low sputum eosinophils. The third cluster consisted of patients with mild-to-moderate, well-controlled asthma with normal lung function and low inflammatory markers. Repeatability accuracy was 98.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Amongst patients with adult-onset asthma, three subphenotypes can be identified with distinct clinical and inflammatory characteristics. These subphenotypes help to understand the underlying pathobiology and provide clinicians with directions for personalized management.

MP29-02: a breakthrough for the treatment of allergic rhinitis

INTRODUCTION

Allergic rhinitis (AR) can be challenging to treat. For many patients, current therapies (including multiple therapies) provide insufficient symptom relief. There is, therefore, a clear unmet medical need for a new and more effective AR treatment option. MP29-02 ( Dymista ) is a novel intranasal formulation of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate in an advanced delivery system.

AREAS COVERED

The goal of this article is to review all MP29-02 clinical data currently published with a view to establish its potential to fill the current unmet medical need in AR. Relevant articles and abstracts were reviewed from PUBMED and conference proceedings.

EXPERT OPINION

MP29-02 represents a breakthrough in AR management for the following reasons: i) MP29-02 has been extensively studied in comparison to first-line therapies in both seasonal AR (SAR) patients and in those with chronic rhinitis (i.e., perennial allergic rhinitis [PAR] and nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis) in one of the largest direct head-to-head clinical trial programmes in AR, to date. ii) With MP29-02, the efficacy of an intranasal corticosteroid (INS), the first-line choice for AR has been exceeded for the first time without safety repercussions. AR patients treated with MP29-02 experience significantly greater relief from their overall nasal and ocular symptoms compared to two first-line AR therapies, irrespective of season, symptom type, or disease severity. More patients treated with MP29-02 achieve a substantial reduction (i.e., 50% reduction) in their symptoms and also complete symptom relief and achieve these clinically relevant responses days faster than an INS or antihistamine. iii) Formulation of a topical medication is critical, and MP29-02's novel formulation and/or its device contribute to its clinical efficacy.

Endoscopic sinus surgery might reduce exacerbations and symptoms more than balloon sinuplasty

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is considered after medical therapy failure of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The balloon sinuplasty dilates the natural ostium without moving mucosa or bone. It still lacks evidence from randomized controlled trials. The aim of this retrospective controlled study was to compare the symptom outcomes after maxillary sinus surgery with either the ESS or the balloon sinuplasty technique. No previous or additional sinonasal operations were accepted.

METHODS

Two hundred eight patients with CRS without nasal polyps underwent either balloon sinuplasty or ESS. The patients who met with the inclusion criteria (n = 45 in ESS group and n = 40 in balloon group) replied to a questionnaire of history factors, exacerbations, and a visual analog scale (VAS) scoring of the change in symptoms, on average 28 ± 6 (mean ± SD) months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The groups were identical in the response rate (64%), patient characteristics, and the improvement in all of the asked symptoms. Patients with CRS-related comorbidity and/or present occupational exposure had a statistically significantly better symptom reduction after ESS than after balloon sinusotomy. Moreover, the balloon sinusotomy group reported a statistically significant higher number of maxillary sinus punctures and antibiotic courses during the last 12 months.

CONCLUSION

ESS might be superior to balloon sinuplasty, especially in patients with risk factors. There is a need to perform more controlled studies on the treatment choices of CRS.

Clinically relevant effect of a new intranasal therapy (MP29-02) in allergic rhinitis assessed by responder analysis

BACKGROUND

It is unclear what constitutes a clinically meaningful response for allergic rhinitis (AR) outcomes. The objectives of these post hoc analyses were (1) to define a clinically meaningful response using novel efficacy analyses (including a responder analysis), and (2) to compare the efficacy of MP29-02 [a novel intranasal formulation of azelastine hydrochloride (AZE) and fluticasone propionate (FP)] with commercially available FP, AZE and placebo in seasonal AR (SAR) patients, using these novel analyses.

METHODS

610 moderate-to-severe SAR patients (≥12 years old) were randomized into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 14-day, parallel-group trial. Change from baseline in the reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) over 14 days was the primary outcome. Post hoc endpoints included the sum of nasal and ocular symptoms (rT7SS), efficacy by disease severity and by predominant nasal symptom, and a set of responder analyses.

RESULTS

MP29-02 most effectively reduced rT7SS (relative greater improvement: 52% to FP; 56% to AZE) and both nasal and ocular symptoms irrespective of severity. More MP29-02 patients achieved a ≥30, ≥50, ≥60, ≥75 and ≥90% rTNSS reduction, which occurred days faster than with either active comparator; MP29-02 alone was superior to placebo at the ≥60% (or higher) threshold. One in 2 MP29-02 patients achieved a ≥50% rTNSS reduction and 1 in 6 achieved complete/near-to-complete response. Only MP29-02 was consistently superior to placebo for all patients, whatever their predominant symptom.

CONCLUSIONS

MP29-02 provided faster and more complete symptom control than first-line therapies. It was consistently superior irrespective of severity, response criteria or patient-type, and may be considered the drug of choice for moderate-to-severe AR. These measures define a new standard for assessing relevance in AR.

Endotypes and phenotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis: a PRACTALL document of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex disease consisting of several disease variants with different underlying pathophysiologies. Limited knowledge of the mechanisms of these disease subgroups is possibly the greatest obstacle in understanding the causes of CRS and improving treatment. It is generally agreed that there are clinically relevant CRS phenotypes defined by an observable characteristic or trait, such as the presence or absence of nasal polyps. Defining the phenotype of the patient is useful in making therapeutic decisions. However, clinical phenotypes do not provide full insight into all underlying cellular and molecular pathophysiologic mechanisms of CRS. Recognition of the heterogeneity of CRS has promoted the concept that CRS consists of multiple groups of biological subtypes, or "endotypes," which are defined by distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms that might be identified by corresponding biomarkers. Different CRS endotypes can be characterized by differences in responsiveness to different treatments, including topical intranasal corticosteroids and biological agents, such as anti-IL-5 and anti-IgE mAb, and can be based on different biomarkers that are linked to underlying mechanisms. CRS has been regarded as a single disease entity in clinical and genetic studies in the past, which can explain the failure to identify consistent genetic and environmental correlations. In addition, better identification of endotypes might permit individualization of therapy that can be targeted against the pathophysiologic processes of a patient's endotype, with potential for more effective treatment and better patient outcomes.

Subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and indirect comparison

BACKGROUND

Severe allergic rhinitis uncontrolled by pharmacotherapy can adversely affect quality of life. Both subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) have demonstrated effectiveness in this patient group; however, it remains uncertain which route of administration is more effective.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to update existing systematic reviews on the clinical effectiveness of SCIT and SLIT versus placebo, to undertake a systematic review of head-to-head trials, and to compare the relative effectiveness of SCIT and SLIT in an adjusted indirect comparison.

METHODS

Standard systematic review methods aimed at minimizing bias were used. Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of SCIT or SLIT or trials of SCIT versus SLIT were included. Meta-analysis and indirect comparison meta-analysis with meta-regression were performed.

RESULTS

Updated meta-analyses confirmed statistically significant benefits for SCIT and SLIT compared with placebo in adults and, to a lesser extent, in children. Only 1 head-to-head trial met the inclusion criteria; both this and the indirect comparisons did not provide conclusive results in favor of either SCIT or SLIT based on symptom-medication or quality-of-life scores. There was a trend toward favoring SCIT for symptom and medication scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is clear evidence of effectiveness of both SCIT and SLIT, superiority of one mode of administration over the other could not be consistently demonstrated through indirect comparison, and further research is needed to establish the comparative effectiveness of SCIT versus SLIT.

Assessment of disease control in allergic rhinitis

The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative has had a significant impact, by raising awareness of allergic rhinitis (AR) and improving the diagnosis and treatment of AR sufferers. ARIA classifies the severity of AR as "mild" or "moderate/severe" on the basis of "yes"/"no" answers to four questions. This two-point classification has been criticized as providing little guidance on patient management; patients with "mild" AR are unlikely to consult a physician, whereas the group of patients with "moderate/severe" seen by specialists is heterogeneous. These perceived shortcomings have prompted attempts to improve the ARIA classification or, by analogy with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), adopt approaches based on "disease control" in AR. Even though "disease severity", "disease control" and "responsiveness to treatment" are different (albeit related) metrics, they are not mutually exclusive. Currently, there is no single, accepted definition, but we propose that "disease control" in AR can combine (i) measurements of the severity and/or frequency of daily or nocturnal symptoms, (ii) impairments in social, physical, professional and educational activities, (iii) respiratory function monitoring and (iv) exacerbations (e.g. unscheduled medical consultations and rescue medication use). Although control-based classifications have a number of limitations (e.g. their dependence on treatment compliance and the patient's psychological status), these instruments could be used as an adjunct to the ARIA severity classification and regional practice parameters. Here, we assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current two-level ARIA classification, analyze published proposals for its modification and review the literature on instruments that measure AR control. We conclude that there is a need for research in which severity is compared with control in terms of their effects on patient management.

Uncontrolled allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis: where do we stand today?

State-of-the-art documents like ARIA and EPOS provide clinicians with evidence-based treatment algorithms for allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), respectively. The currently available medications can alleviate symptoms associated with AR and RS. In real life, a significant percentage of patients with AR and CRS continue to experience bothersome symptoms despite adequate treatment. This group with so-called severe chronic upper airway disease (SCUAD) represents a therapeutic challenge. The concept of control of disease has only recently been introduced in the field of AR and CRS. In case of poor control of symptoms despite guideline-directed pharmacotherapy, one needs to consider the presence of SCUAD but also treatment-related, diagnosis-related and/or patient-related factors. Treatment-related issues of uncontrolled upper airway disease are linked with the correct choice of treatment and route of administration, symptom-oriented treatment and the evaluation of the need for immunotherapy in allergic patients. The diagnosis of AR and CRS should be reconsidered in case of uncontrolled disease, excluding concomitant anatomic nasal deformities, global airway dysfunction and systemic diseases. Patient-related issues responsible for the lack of control in chronic upper airway inflammation are often but not always linked with adherence to the prescribed medication and education. This review is an initiative taken by the ENT section of the EAACI in conjunction with ARIA and EPOS experts who felt the need to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art of control in upper airway inflammation and stressing the unmet needs in this domain.

COX/PGE(2) axis critically regulates effects of LPS on eosinophilia-associated cytokine production in nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has shown heterogeneous effects on eosinophilic inflammation in airways. However, little is known about how LPS regulates pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, a major form of eosinophilic inflammation in the upper airway.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate the effect of LPS on cytokine production by dispersed nasal polyp cells (DNPCs).

METHODS

Either diclofenac-treated or untreated DNPCs were cultured with or without staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in the presence or absence of LPS, after which the levels of IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A and IFN-γ within the supernatant were measured. The effects of PGE(2) on LPS-induced responses by diclofenac-treated DNPCs were also examined. LPS-induced PGE(2) production and mRNA expression of COX-1, COX-2 and microsomal PGE(2) synthase-1 (m-PGES-1) were measured.

RESULTS

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B induced IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A and IFN-γ production by DNPCs. Pre-treatment with LPS prior to SEB stimulation inhibited production of these cytokines. After stimulation with LPS, PGE(2) production and expression of COX-2 and m-PGES-1 mRNA by DNPCs increased significantly. In the presence of diclofenac, the suppressive effects of LPS were eliminated. LPS pre-treatment enhanced SEB-induced IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17A production in diclofenac-treated DNPCs, while addition of PGE(2) inhibited IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-γ production. LPS alone induced IL-5, IL-13 and IFN- γ production by diclofenac-treated DNPCs, while the addition of EP2 and EP4 receptor-selective agonists, as well as PGE(2) itself, inhibited IL-5 and IL-13 production.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results suggest that the regulatory effects of LPS on eosinophilic airway inflammation are controlled via the COX-2/PGE(2) axis. For clinical implications, indiscreet use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Emerging drugs for perennial allergic rhinitis

INTRODUCTION

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a high-prevalence disease, sustained by an IgE-triggered reaction with histamine release, followed by an inflammatory response which involves cells, mediators, cytokines and adhesion molecules. According to its duration, AR can be either intermittent or persistent. In the persistent form, the inflammatory component usually predominates.

AREAS COVERED

The current therapeutic strategy is based on antihistamines, antileukotrienes and on corticosteroids (which broadly act on inflammation). Allergen-specific immunotherapy is a biological response modifier that affects the immune response to allergens in a broad sense. The available pharmacotherapy is overall effective in controlling symptoms and inflammation, but safety concerns may be present (especially for prolonged treatments), and a proportion of patients remain uncontrolled. The available therapeutic innovations, as derived from the most recent literature are reviewed herein.

EXPERT OPINION

In the last years there have been very few innovative approaches to optimize the management of AR. These include new histamine receptor antagonists, combination therapy and strategies to selectively block relevant signaling pathways of the allergic reaction. Some more promising advances have been shown for allergen immunotherapy, where a number of new strategies are currently under development.

Bioavailability and disposition of azelastine and fluticasone propionate when delivered by MP29-02, a novel aqueous nasal spray

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• The topical second generation anti-histamine azelastine hydrochloride (AZE) and the potent corticosteroid fluticasone propionate (FP) are well established first-line treatments in allergic rhinitis (AR). • MP29-02, a novel intranasal AZE and FP formulation, has been shown to control AR symptoms faster and better than standard intranasal AZE or FP. • The systemic bioavailabilities of marketed AZE and FP nasal spray products have been established at about 40% and 1% only, respectively. • For new combination medicinal products such as MP29-02, the determination of possible pharmacokinetic (PK) drug-drug interactions between both active components and formulation-based bioavailability alterations is essential.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This paper provides for the first time information on potential drug-drug interactions, AZE and FP bioavailability and disposition characteristics of each component administered by the novel nasal spray formulation MP29-02. • The studies employed highly sensitive FP and AZE LC-MS/MS assays and could therefore be conducted with recommended therapeutic doses, thereby circumventing previously recognized draw-backs that required nasal bioavailability studies to be conducted using supra-therapeutic doses. • No significant PK drug-drug interaction between the active components AZE and FP was noted for MP29-02. • AZE bioavailabilty was equivalent when MP29-02 data were compared with MP29-02-AZE-mono and Astelin®. • Increased FP exposure was observed with MP29-02-based products compared with FP-BI. FP serum concentrations were generally very low with all investigational products suggesting no clinically meaningful pharmacodynamic differences in terms of systemic safety.

AIM(S)

To determine azelastine hydrochloride (AZE) and fluticasone propionate (FP) bioavailabilities of the novel nasal spray combination product MP 29-02, compared with MP29-02-based products containing only AZE (MP29-02-AZE-mono), FP (MP29-02-FP-mono), marketed AZE and FP single entity products (Astelin® and FP Boehringer-Ingelheim; FP-BI).

METHODS

Two randomized, three period, six sequence, three treatment crossover studies were conducted in healthy subjects. Study 1 administered 200 µg FP as MP29-02, MP29-02-FP-mono or FP-BI. Study 2 administered 548 µg AZE as MP29-02, MP29-02-AZE-mono or Astelin®. Each dose consisted of two sprays/nostril. Serum FP and plasma AZE were followed over 24 (FP) and 120 h (AZE) and quantified by LC-MS/MS. Peak (C(max) ) and total exposures AUC(0,t(last) ) were compared between the treatments by anova.

RESULTS

Study 1: Average FP C(max) was very low with all products (≤ 10 pg ml(-1) ). FP AUC(0,t(last) ) point estimates (90% CIs) for MP29-02 : MP29-02-FP-mono and MP29-02 : FP-BI ratios (%) were 93.6 (83.6, 104.7) and 161.1 (137.1, 189.3). Corresponding ratios for C(max) were 91.0 (82.5, 100.4) and 157.4 (132.5, 187.1). Study 2: AZE AUC(0,t(last) ) point estimates (90% CIs) for MP29-02 : MP29-02-AZE-mono and MP29-02 : Astelin® ratios (%) were 98.8 (91.0, 107.4) and 105.5 (95.6, 116.4). Corresponding outcomes for C(max) were 102.7 (92.1, 114.4) and 107.3 (92.6, 124.3).

CONCLUSIONS

No interactions of AZE and FP were found with the MP29-02 formulation. Azelastine bioavailability was similar for MP29-02 and Astelin®. Maximum and total FP exposure was higher for MP29-02-based products compared with FP-BI. FP concentrations were generally very low with all investigational products and did not suggest clinically meaningful differences concerning systemic safety.

Validation of the modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) severity classification in allergic rhinitis children: the PEDRIAL study

BACKGROUND

A modified allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) (m-ARIA) criterion to classify the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) has recently been validated in both treated and untreated adult patients; however, such information in children is lacking. The aim of this study was to validate this m-ARIA severity criterion, which allows for discrimination between moderate and severe AR, in a large pediatric patient sample population.

METHODS

The m-ARIA classification categorizes AR severity into mild (no affected items), moderate (1-3 affected items), and severe (all four affected items). We applied this modified criterion to untreated AR pediatric patients aged 6-12 years, through an observational, cross-sectional, and multicenter study. AR symptoms were assessed using the Total Four Symptom Score (T4SS), and the severity was evaluated by both ARIA severity items and visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS

Allergic rhinitis pediatric patients (N = 1269) from 271 centers were included. Among them, 59.5% had intermittent and 40.5% persistent disease; 89.9% had moderate/severe AR using the original ARIA (o-ARIA) classification and 59.5% had moderate, while 30.5% had severe AR using the m-ARIA criterion. Using the m-ARIA, significantly higher T4SS and VAS scores were obtained when comparing severe with moderate AR.

CONCLUSIONS

The m-ARIA severity classification is a useful clinical tool to discriminate moderate from severe AR among untreated pediatric patients.

Characterization of IL-18 expression and release in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a member of the IL-1 cytokine family that affects chronic inflammation. We sought to characterize IL-18 expression and investigate its release during chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

METHODS

The expression of IL-18 in nasal polyps (NPs) and uncinate tissues (UTs) from both CRS and non-CRS patients was examined via immunohistochemistry. After culturing dispersed NP cells (DNPCs) with or without various stimulations, IL-18 levels were measured in the culture supernatants. Furthermore, the effect of IL-18 neutralization on staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced cytokine production was also examined.

RESULTS

Similar expression of IL-18 in the epithelial layers was observed between the NPs and UTs. However, there was a significantly higher number of IL-18(+) cells in the lamina propria from NPs compared to UTs without CRS. This increased number was significantly correlated with the radiological severity of sinusitis and local eosinophilia. After the dispersion, IL-18 was spontaneously released by NP cells in a phase-dependent manner. While SEB, fungal antigens, and TLR agonists did not enhance the release, exposure to protease or one cycle of a freeze-and-thaw treatment did induce release of IL-18 from rested DNPCs. In addition, neutralization of IL-18 significantly suppressed SEB-induced IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-γ, but not IL-17A production.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the pro-inflammatory effect of IL-18 released by danger signals may be involved in the pathogenesis of CRS, which includes eosinophilic inflammation and NP formation, via the augmentation of both Th2- and Th1-associated cytokine production.

Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA): achievements in 10 years and future needs

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma represent global health problems for all age groups. Asthma and rhinitis frequently coexist in the same subjects. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) was initiated during a World Health Organization workshop in 1999 (published in 2001). ARIA has reclassified AR as mild/moderate-severe and intermittent/persistent. This classification closely reflects patients' needs and underlines the close relationship between rhinitis and asthma. Patients, clinicians, and other health care professionals are confronted with various treatment choices for the management of AR. This contributes to considerable variation in clinical practice, and worldwide, patients, clinicians, and other health care professionals are faced with uncertainty about the relative merits and downsides of the various treatment options. In its 2010 Revision, ARIA developed clinical practice guidelines for the management of AR and asthma comorbidities based on the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. ARIA is disseminated and implemented in more than 50 countries of the world. Ten years after the publication of the ARIA World Health Organization workshop report, it is important to make a summary of its achievements and identify the still unmet clinical, research, and implementation needs to strengthen the 2011 European Union Priority on allergy and asthma in children.

Omalizumab is effective in allergic and nonallergic patients with nasal polyps and asthma

BACKGROUND

Adult patients with nasal polyps often have comorbid asthma, adding to the serious effect on the quality of life of these patients. Nasal polyps and asthma might represent a therapeutic challenge; inflammation in both diseases shares many features, such as airway eosinophilia, local IgE formation, and a T(H)2 cytokine profile. Omalizumab is a human anti-IgE mAb with proved efficacy in patients with severe allergic asthma. Omalizumab could be a treatment option for patients with nasal polyps and asthma.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of omalizumab in patients with nasal polyps and comorbid asthma.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of allergic and nonallergic patients with nasal polyps and comorbid asthma (n = 24) was conducted. Subjects received 4 to 8 (subcutaneous) doses of omalizumab (n = 16) or placebo (n = 8). The primary end point was reduction in total nasal endoscopic polyp scores after 16 weeks. Secondary end points included a change in sinus computed tomographic scans, nasal and asthma symptoms, results of validated questionnaires (Short-Form Health Questionnaire, 31-item Rhinosinusitis Outcome Measuring Instrument, and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire), and serum/nasal secretion biomarker levels.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in total nasal endoscopic polyp scores after 16 weeks in the omalizumab-treated group (-2.67, P = .001), which was confirmed by means of computed tomographic scanning (Lund-Mackay score). Omalizumab had a beneficial effect on airway symptoms (nasal congestion, anterior rhinorrhea, loss of sense of smell, wheezing, and dyspnea) and on quality-of-life scores, irrespective of the presence of allergy.

CONCLUSION

Omalizumab demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of nasal polyps with comorbid asthma, supporting the importance and functionality of local IgE formation in the airways.

Severe chronic allergic (and related) diseases: a uniform approach--a MeDALL--GA2LEN--ARIA position paper

Concepts of disease severity, activity, control and responsiveness to treatment are linked but different. Severity refers to the loss of function of the organs induced by the disease process or to the occurrence of severe acute exacerbations. Severity may vary over time and needs regular follow-up. Control is the degree to which therapy goals are currently met. These concepts have evolved over time for asthma in guidelines, task forces or consensus meetings. The aim of this paper is to generalize the approach of the uniform definition of severe asthma presented to WHO for chronic allergic and associated diseases (rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis) in order to have a uniform definition of severity, control and risk, usable in most situations. It is based on the appropriate diagnosis, availability and accessibility of treatments, treatment responsiveness and associated factors such as comorbidities and risk factors. This uniform definition will allow a better definition of the phenotypes of severe allergic (and related) diseases for clinical practice, research (including epidemiology), public health purposes, education and the discovery of novel therapies.

Increased expression of IL-19 in the epithelium of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammation of the nose and of the paranasal sinuses. The involvement of the respiratory epithelium in the mechanisms of CRS is poorly understood.

AIMS

Among proteins expressed by nasal epithelial cells in CRS, IL-19 may have key functions. We here aimed to determine the expression and regulation of IL-19.

METHODS

Nasal biopsies from normal subjects (n = 12), subjects with CRS but without nasal polyps (NP) (CRSsNP, n = 12) and with CRS with NP (CRSwNP, n = 15) were collected. Human Asthma Gene Array and real-time PCR were used to evaluate gene expression, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry for protein expression. Results for IL-19 were confirmed by real-time PCR. The constitutive and stimulated (LPS, TGF β) expression of IL-19 and cell proliferation were evaluated in a nasal epithelial cell line (RPMI 2650).

RESULTS

Human Asthma Gene Array showed an increased IL-19 gene expression in NP from patients with CRS in comparison with normal subjects. Real-time PCR confirmed the IL-19 mRNA up-regulation in patients with CRSwNP and showed an up-regulation of IL-19, at lower extent, in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) in comparison with normal subjects. Western blot analysis confirmed that IL-19 is increased also at protein level in patients with CRSwNP in comparison with normal subjects. In NP, IL-19 is highly expressed in the metaplastic nasal epithelium when compared to normal or hyperplastic epithelium. LPS stimulation increased IL-19 expression, and recombinant IL-19 increased cell proliferation in nasal epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-19 is overexpressed in the epithelium in CRSwNP and increases epithelial cell proliferation.

Epidemiological analysis of chronic rhinitis in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Nonallergic rhinitis is a poorly understood entity, especially among pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify clinical features that may distinguish phenotypes of allergic and nonallergic patients and to evaluate the usefulness of current diagnostic modalities.

METHODS

We reviewed medical records for 151 pediatric patients with perennial rhinitis, evaluated in a multidisciplinary allergy and otolaryngology clinic. Results obtained by standard history, validated sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Survey (SN-5), epicutaneous allergy testing, acoustic rhinometry, and sinus CT were compared.

RESULTS

Nasal congestion was the most frequent primary presenting complaint (62%). Among subjects having a positive allergy test, associated eye symptoms were more frequent (p = 0.01) and responses to the SN-5 allergic domain were higher (p = 0.02). Sinus CT scores were similar among allergic and nonallergic subjects (median 7 and 8, respectively) and did not correlate with symptom scores (p = 0.6). Among nonallergic subjects, quality of life ratings weakly correlated with sinus CT scores (r = 0.4; p = 0.05). By rhinometry, absolute mean cross-sectional area was similar among allergic (0.32 cm(2)) and nonallergic (0.36 cm(2)) subjects and did not correlate with symptom scores (p = 0.8 for allergic and p = 0.6 for nonallergic subjects). Distinct groups of nonallergic patients including those with prominent conjunctival pruritus (n = 24), frequent cold symptoms (n = 3), and chronic sinus disease (n = 2) were observed.

CONCLUSION

It is difficult to distinguish allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in patients with perennial disease, but associated eye symptoms and questionnaire responses are predictive of allergy. Acoustic rhinometry and sinus CT suggest that physical obstruction and sinus disease are not related to nasal symptoms including, surprisingly, the sensation of congestion.

Therapies for allergic inflammation: refining strategies to induce tolerance

Current therapies for asthma and allergy are relatively safe and effective at controlling symptoms but do not change the chronic course of disease. There is no established method to prevent asthma and allergy, and major unmet needs in this area include the better control of the severe forms of these diseases and the developments of curative therapies. Two major therapeutic strategies for asthma and allergy are currently being developed, and I here discuss the advances and challenges for future therapeutic development in these two areas. The first approach, allergen-specific immunotherapy, aims to induce specific immune tolerance and has a long-term disease-modifying effect. The second approach is the use of biological immune response modifiers to decrease pathological immune responses. Combination strategies using both of these approaches may also provide a route for addressing the unmet clinical needs in allergic diseases.

Current treatment of severe asthma

Severe asthma is considered a heterogeneous disease in which a variety of clinical, physiological and inflammatory markers determine disease severity. Pivotal studies in the last 5 years have led to substantial progress in many areas, ranging from a more accurate definition of truly severe, refractory asthma, to classification of the disease into distinct clinical phenotypes, and introduction of new therapies. This review focuses on three common clinical phenotypes of severe asthma in adults (early onset severe allergic asthma, late onset non-atopic eosinophilic asthma, late onset non-eosinophilic asthma with obesity), and provides an overview of recent developments regarding treatment options that are best suited for each of these phenotypes.

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a very common disorder that affects people of all ages, peaking in the teenage years. It is frequently ignored, underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and mistreated, which not only is detrimental to health but also has societal costs. Although allergic rhinitis is not a serious illness, it is clinically relevant because it underlies many complications, is a major risk factor for poor asthma control, and affects quality of life and productivity at work or school. Management of allergic rhinitis is best when directed by guidelines. A diagnostic trial of a pharmacotherapeutic agent could be started in people with clinically identified allergic rhinitis; however, to confirm the diagnosis, specific IgE reactivity needs to be recorded. Documented IgE reactivity has the added benefit of guiding implementation of environmental controls, which could substantially ameliorate symptoms of allergic rhinitis and might prevent development of asthma, especially in an occupational setting. Many classes of drug are available, effective, and safe. In meta-analyses, intranasal corticosteroids are superior to other treatments, have a good safety profile, and treat all symptoms of allergic rhinitis effectively. First-generation antihistamines are associated with sedation, psychomotor retardation, and reduced academic performance. Only immunotherapy with individually targeted allergens has the potential to alter the natural history of allergic rhinitis. Patients' education is a vital component of treatment. Even with the best pharmacotherapy, one in five affected individuals remains highly symptomatic, and further research is needed in this area.

Genetics of rhinosinusitis

Suggestion for a potential genetic basis to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is afforded by degree of inheritability suggested from family and twin studies, existence of CRS in simple mendelian diseases, and development of sinusitis as part of the phenotype of certain gene "knockout" murine models. Genetic association studies are expected to identify novel genes associated with CRS and suggest novel mechanisms implicated in disease development. Although these studies are subject to methodologic difficulties, associations of CRS and polymorphisms in more than 30 genes have been published, with single nucleotide polymorphisms in 3 (IL1A, TNFA, AOAH) replicated. While the individual risk conferred by these single nucleotide polymorphisms remains modest, taken as a group, they suggest an important implication of pathways of innate immune recognition and in regulation of downstream signaling in the development of CRS. In a demonstration of these techniques' potential to identify new targets for research, the authors present a functional investigation of LAMB1, the top-rated gene from a pooling-based genome-wide association study of CRS. Upregulation of gene expression in LAMB1 and associated laminin genes in primary epithelial cells from CRS patients implicates the extracellular matrix in development of CRS and offers a new avenue for further study.

Mechanisms of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only curative approach in the treatment of allergic diseases defined up-to-date. Peripheral T-cell tolerance to allergens, the goal of successful allergen-SIT, is the primary mechanism in healthy immune responses to allergens. By repeated administration of increased doses of the causative allergen, allergen-SIT induces a state of immune tolerance to allergens through the constitution of T regulatory (Treg) cells, including allergen-specific interleukin (IL)-10-secreting Treg type 1 cells and CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg cells; induction of suppressive cytokines, such as IL-10 and transforming growth factor β; suppression of allergen-specific IgE and induction of IgG4 and IgA; and suppression of mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, and inflammatory dendritic cells. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanisms of allergen-SIT with emphasis on the roles of Treg cells in allergen-SIT.

Olopatadine 0.6% Nasal Spray Protects from Vasomotor Challenge in Patients with Severe Vasomotor Rhinitis

Background

Vasomotor rhinitis (VMR) is a hypersensitivity syndrome with heightened reactivity to environmental triggers.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with severe VMR were treated nasally with either normal saline or 0.6% olopatadine and challenged nasally with a hyperosmolar mannitol solution.

Results

Treatment with 0.6% olopatadine resulted in an improvement in instantaneous nasal symptom scores at 5 and 30 minutes (p < 0.01) compared with baseline and at 30 minutes after hyperosmolar challenge compared with saline-pretreated individuals (p < 0.01). There was also an improvement in nasal peak inspiratory flow rate at 30 minutes after hyperosmolar challenge compared with saline-pretreated individuals (p < 0.01.

Conclusion

In this patient population 0.6% olopatadine appears to be efficacious in symptom reduction in VMR and protects from hyperosmolar challenge.

How to design and evaluate randomized controlled trials in immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis: an ARIA-GA(2) LEN statement

Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is one of the treatments for allergic rhinitis. However, for allergists, nonspecialists, regulators, payers, and patients, there remain gaps in understanding the evaluation of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Although treating the same diseases, RCTs in SIT and pharmacotherapy should be considered separately for several reasons, as developed in this study. These include the severity and persistence of allergic rhinitis in the patients enrolled in the study, the problem of the placebo, allergen exposure (in particular pollen and mite), the analysis and reporting of the study, the level of symptoms of placebo-treated patients, the clinical relevance of the efficacy of SIT, the need for a validated combined symptom-medication score, the differences between children and adults and pharmacoeconomic analyses. This statement reviews issues raised by the interpretation of RCTs in sublingual immunotherapy. It is not possible to directly extrapolate the rules or parameters used in medication RCTs to SIT. It also provides some suggestions for the research that will be needed. Interestingly, some of the research questions can be approached with the available data obtained from large RCTs.

Congruence between international guidelines and mite specific immunotherapy prescribing practices

Both rhinitis (ARIA) and asthma (GINA) guidelines recommend allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) tailored to the specific levels of severity of each disease. Real world studies evaluating congruence between these recommendations and prescribing practice in the single patient with comorbidity are lacking. An observational polycentric study was carried out in 518 patients recruited from 34 allergy centers throughout Italy. A questionnaire was administered to each consecutive patient over a span of four months. Taking into account guideline recommendations for both diseases, concomitant in the same patient, three subsets resulted: patients not eligible for SIT (11%); patients eligible for SIT for one disease only (60%); patients eligible for SIT for both diseases (29%). SIT was prescribed in 257 (49.6%) subjects. The level of SIT prescription was about 50% in all three groups. Consistent with the ARIA guidelines, a correlation between the prescription of SIT and the severity of rhinitis was documented (r=0.87; p=0.001). An association with asthma severity was found (p=0.02), but the trend was inconsistent with the GINA recommendations. Young age was the most important factor for SIT prescription both in the eligible for one disease and in the eligible for both diseases subset. The tendency towards worsening of symptoms was a factor for SIT in the eligible for one disease subset. In mite allergic patients with rhinitis and asthma comorbidity, the severity of rhinitis and the young age are the most important factors driving the SIT prescription. The congruence of SIT prescription was better for the ARIA than GINA guidelines.

IgG4-related chronic rhinosinusitis: a new clinical entity of nasal disease

CONCLUSION

IgG4-related disease involves nasal manifestations with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This type of sinusitis is a new clinical entity of nasal disease associated with a high level of serum IgG4 for which steroid therapy is effective. Objectives. To confirm whether IgG4-related disease has distinctive chronic rhinosinusitis.

METHODS

We compared serum IgG4 levels as well as nasal computed tomography (CT) and clinicopathological findings before and after glucocorticoid treatment in 31 patients diagnosed as having IgG4-related disease with nasal manifestations. To evaluate immunohistochemical findings of nasal mucosa, we compared them with IgG4-related CRS and common CRS.

RESULTS

All patients had levels of high serum IgG4. Ten of the 31 patients had nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, postnasal discharge, hyposmia, and dull headache. They also demonstrated sinus lesions on radiological findings. After glucocorticoid treatment, serum IgG and IgG4 levels were markedly decreased and along with improvement of the symptoms, nasal sinus CT findings also revealed improvement of the sinus opacification. In immunohistochemical examination, the magnitude of IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration in common CRS was almost the same as in the IgG4-related CRS group. Therefore, in nasal mucosa immunocytochemical positive staining for IgG4 is not specific for definition of IgG4-related disease.

Validation of a self-questionnaire for assessing the control of allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis affects the lives of patients for whom discomfort is, in most cases, significantly improved by pharmacological treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a self-assessment global score for allergic rhinitis control (five items scored from 1 to 5 assessing the rhinitis over the 2 previous weeks).

METHODS

Study of acceptability, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change during a prospective observational study in 902 patients selected by 411 general practitioners or allergists.

RESULTS

The score correlated significantly to the clinical picture and to the impact of the rhinitis on social and sports activities at inclusion (P<0.0001). A significant improvement in the score was observed after 15 days of treatment: 14.9 ± 4.0 at inclusion and 21.5 ± 2.9 at re-evaluation after 15 days of treatment (P<0.0001). Using receiver operating characteristics curve, a score of 20 was the cut-off for poor vs. well-controlled rhinitis; a score strictly higher than 20 (best being 25) had a sensitivity of 67%, a specificity of 82%, a negative predictive value of 32% and a positive predictive value of 95%.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The self-assessment score for allergic rhinitis control appeared to be sensitive to change and correlated to the clinical expression of rhinitis and also to its involvement with treatment. These results suggest that this self-completion questionnaire could be used in daily practice at each consultation to determine, in a standardized manner, the level of control of the allergic rhinitis of an individual patient.

Discrimination between moderate and severe disease may be used in patients with either treated or untreated allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disease with major socioeconomic burden and a significant impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

  The aim of this study was to discriminate between moderate and severe AR patients whether receiving treatment or not, using a modified criterion of allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) classification.

METHODS

The modified ARIA severity classification (J Allergy Clin Immunol, 120, 2007, 359) categorizes AR as mild (no items affected), moderate (1-3 items affected), and severe (all four items affected). We applied these criteria to 1666 treated and 1058 untreated AR patients and compared their symptoms total four-symptom score (T4SS) and quality of life (ESPRINT-15), according to their clinical severity.

RESULTS

Allergic rhinitis clinical status was significantly worse (P < 0.001) in treated than in untreated patients. For both treated and untreated patients, T4SS and ESPRINT-15 Quality of life scores were significantly worse (P < 0.001) in severe than in moderate patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified ARIA severity classification is a useful clinical tool to discriminate moderate from severe AR among both treated and untreated patients.

Risk factors and asthma phenotypes in children and adults with seasonal allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

There are few data on asthma risk factors and phenotypes in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).

METHODS

Thirty-three children (mean age, 8.27 ± 1.77 years) and 82 adults (mean age, 34.12 ± 10.59 years) with SAR were evaluated for asthma (history, reversibility of bronchial obstruction, increased inhaled nitric oxide). The following asthma risk factors were considered in the multiple regression analysis: male sex, family history of asthma, breastfeeding < 2 months, passive/active smoking, obesity, pets/molds exposure, high total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), polysensitization (sensitized to 3 seasonal pollens with different structure), mixed sensitization (seasonal and perennial allergens), severe rhinitis (according to the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma guidelines), and lack of allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) for rhinitis preceding asthma diagnosis. Asthma phenotypes were characterized using the k-means clustering (silhouette method for cluster validation).

RESULTS

Asthma was diagnosed in 22 (66.7%) children and in 57 (69.5%) adults with SAR. Independent risk factors for asthma were lack of SIT preceding asthma diagnosis, both for children (P = 0.008132) and adults (P = 0.000017), and mixed sensitization for children (P = 0.035694). Asthma phenotypes identified in children according to the associated risk factors were: breastfeeding < 2 months and severe rhinitis in 16 (63.6%) patients; male, polysensitized, and severe rhinitis in 8 (36.4%) patients. Asthma phenotypes in adults were: polysensitization and severe rhinitis in 30 (52.6%) patients; male, exposure to pets, and severe rhinitis in 11 (19.3%) patients; and high total serum IgE and polysensitization in 16 (28.1%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Lack of SIT is an independent risk factor for asthma both in children and adults with SAR, whereas polysensitization is a risk factor only for children. The dominant asthma phenotype in children with SAR is breastfeeding < 2 months and severe rhinitis. In adults with SAR, the dominant asthma phenotype is polysensitization and severe rhinitis.

GA² LEN/EAACI pocket guide for allergen-specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis and asthma

This pocket guide is the result of a consensus reached during several GA(2) LEN and EAACI meetings. The aim of the current pocket guide is to offer a comprehensive set of recommendations on the use of immunotherapy in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in daily practice. This pocket guide is meant to give simple answers to the most frequent questions of practitioners in Europe, including 'practising allergists', general practitioners and any other physicians with special interest in allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT). It is not a long or detailed scientific review of the topic. However, the recommendations in this pocket guide were compiled following an in-depth review of existing guidelines and publications, including the 1998 EAACI position paper, the 1998 WHO Position Paper on SIT and the 2001 Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA). It is also based on the ARIA update 2008 (prepared in collaboration with GA(2) LEN), the 'Sub-lingual Immunotherapy: WAO Position Paper 2009' (from the World Allergy Organisation) and the Methodology paper of ARIA. The recommendations cover patient selection, allergen extract to be used, route of administration of SIT (in particular, sublingual and subcutaneous immunotherapy), and necessary precautions to be followed in using SIT.

Nod1, Nod2 and Nalp3 receptors, new potential targets in treatment of allergic rhinitis?

BACKGROUND

Recently, a new set of pattern-recognition receptors, the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-like receptors (NLRs), have emerged. Their activation, either by allergens or microbes, triggers an inflammatory response. The knowledge about NLRs in human airways is limited.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate presence of NLRs in the human nose of healthy individuals and patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis outside and during pollen season.

METHODS

The expression of Nod1, Nod2, and Nalp3 in nasal biopsies was determined with real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Cultured primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were analyzed using real-time RT-PCR and flow cytometry to further verify the presence of NLRs in the epithelium.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical analysis revealed presence of Nod1, Nod2, and Nalp3 in the nasal epithelium. This was corroborated in cultured HNECs. Patients suffering from symptomatic allergic rhinitis exhibited lower Nod1 and Nalp3 mRNA levels than both controls and patients during pollen season. Nod2 expression was found in all specimens tested, but no differences were seen between the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Nod1, Nod2, and Nalp3 receptors were found to be present in the human nose. The expression of Nod1 and Nalp3 were down-regulated during pollen season among patients with allergic rhinitis. This opens up for new insights and novel therapeutic strategies in inflammatory airway disease.

Management of severe asthma in children

Children who are referred to specialist care with asthma that does not respond to treatment (problematic severe asthma) are a heterogeneous group, with substantial morbidity. The evidence base for management is sparse, and is mostly based on data from studies in children with mild and moderate asthma and on extrapolation of data from studies in adults with severe asthma. In many children with severe asthma, the diagnosis is wrong or adherence to treatment is poor. The first step is a detailed diagnostic assessment to exclude an alternative diagnosis ("not asthma at all"), followed by a multidisciplinary approach to exclude comorbidities ("asthma plus") and to assess whether the child has difficult asthma (improves when the basic management needs, such as adherence and inhaler technique, are corrected) or true, therapy-resistant asthma (still symptomatic even when the basic management needs are resolved). In particular, environmental causes of secondary steroid resistance should be identified. An individualised treatment plan should be devised depending on the clinical and pathophysiological characterisation. Licensed therapeutic approaches include high-dose inhaled steroids, the Symbicort maintenance and reliever (SMART) regimen (with budesonide and formoterol fumarate), and anti-IgE therapy. Unlicensed treatments include methotrexate, azathioprine, ciclosporin, and subcutaneous terbutaline infusions. Paediatric data are needed on cytokine-specific monoclonal antibody therapies and bronchial thermoplasty. However, despite the interest in innovative approaches, getting the basics right in children with apparently severe asthma will remain the foundation of management for the foreseeable future.

Global airway disease beyond allergy

Besides the anatomic continuity of the upper and lower airways, inflammation in one part of the airway influences the homeostasis of the other. The mechanisms underlying this interaction have been studied primarily in allergic disease, showing systemic immune activation, induction of inflammation at a distance, and a negative impact of nasal inflammation on bronchial homeostasis. In addition to allergy, other inflammatory conditions of the upper airways are associated with lower airway disease. Rhinosinusitis is frequently associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The impairment of purification, humidification, and warming up of the inspired air by the nose in rhinosinusitis may be responsible in part for bronchial pathology. The resolution of sinonasal inflammation via medical and/or surgical treatment is responsible for the beneficial effect of the treatment on bronchial disease. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of upper and lower airway communication beyond allergic disease.