Two large trials, DREAM and MENSA have found IL-5 therapy with mepolizumab to lower risk of exacerbation in patients with asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype.
Mold allergy is difficult to diagnose due to lack of standardized test material. A recent study evaluated if there are differences in skin-prick tests from different manufacturers and how they are comparable to results from specific IgE testing.
The study included 169 patients with mold-induced respiratory symptoms. Skin-prick tests from four manufacturers were used to duplicate testing on patient’s arms. Specific IgE testing for mold species were performed as well. Positive results for mold sensitization were found in 54% of patients by skin prick test versus 33% by specific IgE measurement. Compared to specific IgE, SPTs had test efficiencies greater than 80%.
Skin prick tests are sensitive tool for evaluation of suspected mold allergy. It is well-recognized that products for mold skin testing are highly variable.
Our practice carries mold species from multiple manufacturers and we perform skin testing for patients with mold exposure and mold-induced upper and lower respiratory symptoms.
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The current standard for diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is endoscopy with esophageal biopsy to determine the eosinophil count
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Recent studies have suggested that early regular exposure to allergenic foods may reduce the risk of food allergy.
We are closer to having the first FDA approved therapy for peanut allergy; this is truly a groundbreaking development. Patients are exposed to controlled doses of peanut protein, with the dose increased over time. Ideally this will induce a tolerance.