Advances in environmental and occupational disorders in 2013.
In this review of articles published in the Journal in 2013, we report on the significant advances in environmental and occupational disorders. Research advances have led to the identification and defined the structure and function of several major allergens. A meta-analysis confirmed the importance of mold exposure in patients with allergic rhinitis, and a new immunologic classification of aspergillosis emerged. Insights into the role of diesel exhaust particles in patients with severe asthma were clarified. Improvements in stinging insect allergy diagnostics were reported. Genetic, immunologic, and biomarker studies advanced the understanding of adverse drug reactions. New practice parameters for cockroach allergen control were presented. The pathologic role of viruses and bacterial agents in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were further defined. An excellent review of allergen bronchoprovocation testing was reported. The roles of bronchoprovocation and bronchodilator responsiveness in asthma diagnosis were further clarified. A biomarker for neutrophilic asthma was identified. Therapeutic advances in asthma research include the inhibition of IL-13 by lebrikizumab, use of montelukast in asthmatic smokers, and a thorough review of bronchial thermoplasty in patients with severe asthma. Lastly, maternal asthma was linked to a number of adverse neonatal outcomes.
Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC. Electronic address: David_Peden@med.unc.edu.
David B
DB
Peden
Section of Allergy, Immunology, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wis.
Robert K
RK
Bush
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018793:Interleukin-13 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015415:Biomarkers; D018793:Interleukin-13; C561806:lebrikizumab
Allergens; adverse drug reactions; asthma; bronchoprovocation; fungi; venoms; viral infections