Biomedical subjects

S R Findlay

Publications and source records attributed to S R Findlay.

39 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1977

Polistes wasp hypersensitivity: diagnosis by venom-induced release of histamine in vitro.

Polistes wasps cause a majority of Hymenoptera-induced anaphylactic reactions in Texas. Using the in vitro release of histamine from basophils of patients allergic to Polistes stings, we have studied the cross-reactivity of venoms from three species of Polistes wasps as well as the cross-reactivity among Polistes, honeybee, and Vespula maculifrons (yellow jacket) venoms. Venom collected by an extrusion technique from Pollistes exclamans, Pollistes apachus, and Pollistes carolina caused release of histamine in seven Polistes-sensitive individuals. The dose-response curves from all three Polistes species were quite similar, suggesting extensive cross-reactivity among these species. None of these patients showed significant release of histamine from leukocytes exposed to yellow jacket or honeybee venom. We conclude that a source of Polistes venom is available for further study and possibly for therapy. It appears that any of three local common species of Polistes wasps could be used. Our studies confirmed earlier reports that Hymenoptera sensitivity if often genus-specific.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Intranasal fluticasone propionate is more effective than terfenadine tablets for seasonal allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: We compared the efficacy and tolerability of the intranasal corticosteroid fluticasone propionate with that of the antihistamine terfenadine in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-two adults and adolescents with seasonal allergic rhinitis received intranasal fluticasone propionate (200 micrograms once daily), terfenadine tablets (60 mg twice daily), or placebo for 2 weeks in a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study. Main outcome measures were clinician- and patient-rated individual and total nasal symptom scores (based on ratings of nasal obstruction, sneezing, nasal itching, and rhinorrhea); clinician-rated overall response to therapy; changes in nasal inflammatory cell counts; adverse events; and morning plasma cortisol concentrations. RESULTS: Both clinician- and patient-rated total and individual nasal symptom scores were significantly lower in the fluticasone group than in either the terfenadine group or the placebo group at nearly every measured time point throughout the treatment period. After 2 weeks of therapy, clinician-rated total nasal symptom scores decreased by 49% in the fluticasone group compared with 27% in the terfenadine group and 19% in the placebo group. In general, therapy with terfenadine was not statistically distinguishable from that with placebo based on patient-rated total or individual nasal symptom scores. According to clinician ratings, 64% of fluticasone-treated patients compared with 49% and 44% of patients treated with terfenadine and placebo, respectively, experienced significant or moderate improvement. A greater percentage of fluticasone-treated patients compared with either terfenadine- or placebo-treated patients experienced reductions in intranasal eosinophil and basophil counts after 2 weeks of therapy. No unusual or serious drug-related adverse events were reported. Morning plasma cortisol concentrations after 2 weeks of therapy did not differ among groups. CONCLUSION: Fluticasone aqueous nasal spray, a well-tolerated corticosteroid preparation that can be administered once daily, is more effective than terfenadine tablets or placebo in controlling symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Administration, Intranasal↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The anticholinergic agent, ipratropium bromide, is useful in the treatment of rhinorrhea associated with perennial allergic rhinitis.

The effects of the new ipratropium bromide nasal spray on rhinorrhea associated with perennial allergic rhinitis were studied in 219 patients over eight weeks in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the new spray reduces nasal hypersecretion in allergic patients without causing excessive dryness or other potential cholinergic side effects. The investigators compared two doses of the spray (42 or 84 mcg/nostril t.i.d.) to placebo. Two hundred and nineteen patients were admitted to the study; 176 completed it. Study design included one week of screening to confirm a diagnosis of perennial allergic rhinitis with clinically significant rhinorrhea, one week of single-blind treatment with a placebo consisting of the saline vehicle of the spray, an eight-week double-blind treatment-comparison period, and one week of follow-up without treatment. Both doses of ipratropium bromide nasal spray significantly reduced the hypersecretion associated with PAR, compared with placebo. The two doses of active drug were equally effective. Treatment differences were noticeable during the first week and remained relatively stable during the eight-week treatment period. There was no evidence of nasal rebound after discontinuation of treatment. The incidence of side effects was comparable to placebo. The spray was well-tolerated, and was not associated with any significant adverse events.

Adolescent↗