European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2020

Amoxicillin-clavulanate regimen for PBB: 4 weeks no better than 2 weeks

Roshini Claire Anthony, 20200928190001

A 4-week course of amoxicillin-clavulanate in children with protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) does not improve cough resolution rates compared with a 2-week course, according to a study from Australia. However, the longer course may significantly extend time to first cough exacerbation.

Dupilumab cuts exacerbation rates in patients with asthma regardless of lung function

Elaine Soliven, 20200928000000

Patients with moderate-to-severe asthma had significant reductions in annualized severe asthma exacerbation rate with the monoclonal antibody dupilumab, regardless of lung function, according to a post hoc analysis of LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST* presented at ERS 2020.

Brensocatib tackles exacerbations in bronchiectasis

Roshini Claire Anthony, 20200922200001

Treatment with the DPP 1* inhibitor brensocatib prolonged time to exacerbation and reduced exacerbation rates in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, according to the phase II WILLOW** study presented at ERS 2020.

Masitinib demonstrates potential for severe asthma

Audrey Abella, 20200922100000

The first-in-class oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) masitinib demonstrated a positive benefit-risk profile over a sustained period in patients with severe persistent asthma regardless of baseline eosinophil level, with the greatest benefit seen among those with the highest oral corticosteroid (OCS) dependency, according to data presented at ERS 2020.

How to control asthma well: Experts’ perspectives

Pearl Toh, 20200921143500

Early and sustained treatments with simplified regimen are the key to achieving good asthma control, said experts during a presentation at the ERS 2020 Congress.

Vitamin D, bariatric surgery increase corticosteroid sensitivity in obese asthmatic patients

Stephen Padilla, 20200921120000

Vitamin D therapy and bariatric surgery in obese asthmatic patients both improve peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) sensitivity to the in vitro corticosteroid (CS) treatment, results of a Spain study have shown.

City vs province: How does asthma differ with address?

Tristan Manalac, 20200921090000

Asthma manifests differently between patients from urban and rural areas, likely due in part to differing environments, according to a recent study presented at the virtual International Congress 2020 of the European Respiratory Society (ERS 2020).

Genotyping helps optimize asthma treatment in children

Jairia Dela Cruz, 20200921080000

In children with asthma, genotype testing identifies a specific genetic alteration associated with poor response to long-acting β2 agonist (LABA), as shown in the PACT trial. This information proves useful in prescribing appropriate medications and improving asthma control.

Single-inhaler triple therapy for COPD: When one is better than more

Audrey Abella, 20200921070000

A single-inhaler triple therapy containing FF/UMEC/VI* may be a good option for COPD** patients who remain symptomatic despite dual bronchodilation with an ICS/LABA or a LAMA/LABA*** and at risk for exacerbations, according to data presented at ERS 2020.

Night-time cough a useful digital biomarker for asthma control

Jairia Dela Cruz, 20200919080000

Frequent coughing at night, measured using a smartphone app, appears to be a reliable indicator of worsening asthma, as reported in a study presented at this year’s European Respiratory Society (ERS) virtual meeting.