Top in allergy/asthma: COVID-19 long-term immune cell effects; asthma, COPD lungs similar
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Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 had altered growth patterns in their blood and showed signs of reduced immune cells 10 months after infection, according to a study published in Allergy.
The researchers analyzed 106 patients and found that neutrophil, monocyte and lymphocyte counts decreased in the infected group vs. the control group at 10 months. They also observed a significant decrease in B cells and T cells at 10 months, suggesting that a single SARS-CoV-2 infection can have long-lasting effects.
It was the top story in allergy/asthma last week.
In another top story, individuals with asthma who smoke will have lung remodeling similar to that experienced by those with COPD, potentially motivating physicians to alter their treatment plan by prescribing macrolides and recommending nebulizer therapy.
Read these and more top stories in allergy/asthma below:
Immune cell reduction still seen 10 months after COVID-19
Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed signs of reduced immune cells and a change in growth factor patterns in their blood 10 months after infection, according to a study published in Allergy. Read more.
Asthma patients who smoke may benefit from COPD treatment
The lungs of patients with asthma who smoke begin to resemble those of patients with COPD, which may require changes in treatment, Brian Bizik, MS, PA-C, said at the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology CME Conference. Read more.
Airborne pollen may contribute to asthma-related ED visits
Airborne pollen may be a major cause of asthma-related ED visits during peak pollen season, but the risk varies by location and plant composition, according to a study published in Environmental Research. Read more.
Q&A: Australia first to introduce nationwide peanut oral immunotherapy program
The ADAPT OIT program builds peanut tolerance in babies with daily dosing of peanut powder administered by caregivers at home, according to a National Allergy Centre of Excellence and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) press release. Healio spoke with Tim Brettig, PhD, ADAPT OIT program medical lead and MCRI senior research clinician, about what this program means for the future of peanut allergy. Read more.
Patterns provide clues to causes of facial allergic contact dermatitis
Different patterns of allergic contact dermatitis on the head and face may give insight into what caused these outbreaks, Heather O’Connell, PA-C, said at the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology CME Conference. Read more.