Allergies In Infants Reduced By Parental Pacifier Sucking

Image courtesy of Phaitoon/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Decreases In Asthma, Eczema and Sensitization To Allergies.

Parents who clean their baby’s pacifier by sucking on it may be protecting their infants from developing allergies, according to an article published online May 6 in Pediatrics.

Children whose parents sucked their pacifiers to clean them before giving them to the children were less likely to have asthma, eczema and sensitization to potential allergens at 18 months of age than children whose parents did not suck the pacifiers.

Read more about this HERE

Image courtesy of Phaitoon/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Decreases In Asthma, Eczema and Sensitization To Allergies.

Parents who clean their baby’s pacifier by sucking on it may be protecting their infants from developing allergies, according to an article published online May 6 in Pediatrics.

Children whose parents sucked their pacifiers to clean them before giving them to the children were less likely to have asthma, eczema and sensitization to potential allergens at 18 months of age than children whose parents did not suck the pacifiers.

Read more about this HERE

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Stem cell treatment for feline asthma

Progress report: Winn grant MT11-002

Mesenchymal stem cells as a novel treatment for feline asthma: evaluation of efficacy and mechanisms of immunomodulation

Carol Reinero DVM, DACVIM, PhD and Amy DeClue DVM, DACVIM, MS; University of Missouri in collaboration with Colorado State University
 

Asthma is a common inflammatory lower airway disease affecting up to 5% of the pet cat population. Asthma is characterized by abnormal inflammatory cells in the lungs (eosinophils), airway constriction causing difficulty breathing, and permanent structural changes that lead to a decline in lung function. There has been recent interest in the ability of intravenous stem cell therapy to treat inflammatory diseases. One such area of study is lung disease, including asthma. In this Winn-funded study, the investigators sought to study the effects of intravenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on the clinical signs and alterations in airway resistance/constriction in an experimental model of feline asthma.

Nine cats with an established asthmatic state received 6 intravenous infusions of stem cells or a placebo infusion. To assess the effects of MSC infusion on decreasing airway inflammation, measurements were obtained at baseline, 3 days after the first infusion, and the final after all 6 infusions had been administered. Measurements were performed on a sample of fluid collected from the airways and the percentage of cells that were eosinophils determined. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the response to MSC on the clinical signs of asthma and a ventilator lung mechanics procedure performed to objectively measure the effects of MSC on airway resistance.

Improvements in the asthmatic state can be noted early or can be delayed several months after stem cell treatment. The initial data analysis has revealed that in the early stages after stem cell administration very few changes were noted compared with placebo treatment. Importantly, this does not mean MSCs failed to work; in fact, the investigators have data from an additional small pilot study that suggests that changes continue to become apparent months after stem cell infusion and these changes are marked in comparison with effects after early stem cell administration.

Because dramatic responses to stem cell therapy may occur months after administration, the investigators have applied for and received partial funding (recently funded MT 12-003) to continue evaluating the cats in this study for assessment of airway inflammation. With this newest funding and efforts to obtain additional funding, they can use advanced imaging techniques (CT scans), ventilator lung mechanics, and immunologic assays to help provide information regarding if and how stem cells could be an important and viable treatment option for pet cats suffering from this chronic lung disease. [VT]

Related blog articles:
Feline stem cells (May 2012)

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Progress report: Winn grant MT11-002

Mesenchymal stem cells as a novel treatment for feline asthma: evaluation of efficacy and mechanisms of immunomodulation

Carol Reinero DVM, DACVIM, PhD and Amy DeClue DVM, DACVIM, MS; University of Missouri in collaboration with Colorado State University
 

Asthma is a common inflammatory lower airway disease affecting up to 5% of the pet cat population. Asthma is characterized by abnormal inflammatory cells in the lungs (eosinophils), airway constriction causing difficulty breathing, and permanent structural changes that lead to a decline in lung function. There has been recent interest in the ability of intravenous stem cell therapy to treat inflammatory diseases. One such area of study is lung disease, including asthma. In this Winn-funded study, the investigators sought to study the effects of intravenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on the clinical signs and alterations in airway resistance/constriction in an experimental model of feline asthma.

Nine cats with an established asthmatic state received 6 intravenous infusions of stem cells or a placebo infusion. To assess the effects of MSC infusion on decreasing airway inflammation, measurements were obtained at baseline, 3 days after the first infusion, and the final after all 6 infusions had been administered. Measurements were performed on a sample of fluid collected from the airways and the percentage of cells that were eosinophils determined. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the response to MSC on the clinical signs of asthma and a ventilator lung mechanics procedure performed to objectively measure the effects of MSC on airway resistance.

Improvements in the asthmatic state can be noted early or can be delayed several months after stem cell treatment. The initial data analysis has revealed that in the early stages after stem cell administration very few changes were noted compared with placebo treatment. Importantly, this does not mean MSCs failed to work; in fact, the investigators have data from an additional small pilot study that suggests that changes continue to become apparent months after stem cell infusion and these changes are marked in comparison with effects after early stem cell administration.

Because dramatic responses to stem cell therapy may occur months after administration, the investigators have applied for and received partial funding (recently funded MT 12-003) to continue evaluating the cats in this study for assessment of airway inflammation. With this newest funding and efforts to obtain additional funding, they can use advanced imaging techniques (CT scans), ventilator lung mechanics, and immunologic assays to help provide information regarding if and how stem cells could be an important and viable treatment option for pet cats suffering from this chronic lung disease. [VT]

Related blog articles:
Feline stem cells (May 2012)

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
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Childhood obesity is linked to more immediate health problems than doctors formerly realized

While a plethora of research on childhood obesity has linked it to long-term health problems, a new UCLA study focuses on the condition's more proximate consequences, showing that obese children are at a greater risk for immediate health problems than previously thought. That's important for Kentucky, which ranks poorly in many health measures and is third highest in child obesity. (Photo by Tara Kaprowy)

"This study paints a comprehensive picture of childhood obesity, and we were surprised to see just how many conditions were associated with childhood obesity," said lead author Dr. Neal Halfon, a professor of pediatrics, public health and public policy at UCLA.

Compared to kids who are not overweight, the study found that obese children have nearly twice the risk of having three or more reported medical, mental or developmental conditions. Specific medical conditions included bone, joint and muscle problems; asthma; allergies; headaches; and ear infections. Obese children also reported a greater tendency toward emotional and behavioral problems, higher rates of grade repetition, missed school days and other school problems, ADHD, conduct disorder, depression, learning disabilities, and developmental delays.

The study provides the first comprehensive national profile of associations between weight status and a broad set of associated health conditions, a UCLA release said. Halfon said these findings should serve as a wake-up call to physicians, parents and teachers, who should be better informed of the risk for health conditions associated with childhood obesity. (Read more)

While a plethora of research on childhood obesity has linked it to long-term health problems, a new UCLA study focuses on the condition's more proximate consequences, showing that obese children are at a greater risk for immediate health problems than previously thought. That's important for Kentucky, which ranks poorly in many health measures and is third highest in child obesity. (Photo by Tara Kaprowy)

"This study paints a comprehensive picture of childhood obesity, and we were surprised to see just how many conditions were associated with childhood obesity," said lead author Dr. Neal Halfon, a professor of pediatrics, public health and public policy at UCLA.

Compared to kids who are not overweight, the study found that obese children have nearly twice the risk of having three or more reported medical, mental or developmental conditions. Specific medical conditions included bone, joint and muscle problems; asthma; allergies; headaches; and ear infections. Obese children also reported a greater tendency toward emotional and behavioral problems, higher rates of grade repetition, missed school days and other school problems, ADHD, conduct disorder, depression, learning disabilities, and developmental delays.

The study provides the first comprehensive national profile of associations between weight status and a broad set of associated health conditions, a UCLA release said. Halfon said these findings should serve as a wake-up call to physicians, parents and teachers, who should be better informed of the risk for health conditions associated with childhood obesity. (Read more)

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Electric cooperatives' monthly magazine looks at the poor health of our state's children

Courtney Cagle, 14, of Clinton learns
how to cook healthy spaghetti in UK's
Cooperative Extension nutrition program

The November issue of Kentucky Living magazine, published monthly for member-customers of the state's electric cooperatives, focuses on children's health. Editor Paul Wesslund writes that the stories and statistics on the current state of the state's kids are "scary."

Reporter James Nold Jr. writes that when experts were asked about their concerns for the state, childhood obesity was front and center. The state ties Georgia and Arkansas for the second highest share of children (37 percent) who are obese, and it trails only Mississippi among children 10 to 17. That’s more than one in three kids who are grossly unfit.

Also of concern are Kentucky children's high rates of asthma, abuse, neglect, and cigarette smoking. The numbers for these are so bad and so seemingly out of control now that health professionals would be happy just to see them remain stable in the future, instead of continuously rising.

Nold writes that the experts' urgency on these matters was palpable. A lot of them talked about the way poor nutrition can harm children now and throughout the rest of their lives.  They also expressed deep concern for the lack of dental education and care, the need for more exercise and for more parent involvement in all of their children's choices.

The magazine, which has a Health Club for children, notes that the University of Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service provides nutrition education to students in all 120 counties. For more information on the club, or to join, go to www.KentuckyLiving.com and click on "KL Health Club." (Read more)

Courtney Cagle, 14, of Clinton learns
how to cook healthy spaghetti in UK's
Cooperative Extension nutrition program

The November issue of Kentucky Living magazine, published monthly for member-customers of the state's electric cooperatives, focuses on children's health. Editor Paul Wesslund writes that the stories and statistics on the current state of the state's kids are "scary."

Reporter James Nold Jr. writes that when experts were asked about their concerns for the state, childhood obesity was front and center. The state ties Georgia and Arkansas for the second highest share of children (37 percent) who are obese, and it trails only Mississippi among children 10 to 17. That’s more than one in three kids who are grossly unfit.

Also of concern are Kentucky children's high rates of asthma, abuse, neglect, and cigarette smoking. The numbers for these are so bad and so seemingly out of control now that health professionals would be happy just to see them remain stable in the future, instead of continuously rising.

Nold writes that the experts' urgency on these matters was palpable. A lot of them talked about the way poor nutrition can harm children now and throughout the rest of their lives.  They also expressed deep concern for the lack of dental education and care, the need for more exercise and for more parent involvement in all of their children's choices.

The magazine, which has a Health Club for children, notes that the University of Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service provides nutrition education to students in all 120 counties. For more information on the club, or to join, go to www.KentuckyLiving.com and click on "KL Health Club." (Read more)

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Use of pacifiers could lead to very sick babies, study finds

Oklahoma State University researchers report that they have found a wide range of disease-causing bacteria, fungus and mold on pacifiers that young children had been using.

In research presented at the American Society for Clinical Pathology, scientists have shown that pacifiers can also grow a slimy coating of bacterial film that alters the normal bacteria in a baby or toddler's mouth, increasing the likelihood of colic and ear infections. It gets worse, according to study author Tom Glass, a professor of forensic science, pathology and dental medicine: The same types of bacteria found on a common pacifier have been linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases.

HealthDay reporters Barbara Bronson Gray writes that Glass said the problems associated with pacificers are also applicable to any removable orthodontic appliance like retainers, mouth guards and dentures. Glass said his researchers were particular concerned about their findings when they discovered that "many of the bacteria growing from the used pacifiers were resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as penicillin and methicillin. The development of such resistance to certain antibiotics does not cause the organism to be more infectious than other strains that have no antibiotic resistance, but it can make the infection more difficult to treat." Glass told Gray that he does not recommend that pacifier use. use. "After doing the study, I say why take a risk?" (Read more)

Oklahoma State University researchers report that they have found a wide range of disease-causing bacteria, fungus and mold on pacifiers that young children had been using.

In research presented at the American Society for Clinical Pathology, scientists have shown that pacifiers can also grow a slimy coating of bacterial film that alters the normal bacteria in a baby or toddler's mouth, increasing the likelihood of colic and ear infections. It gets worse, according to study author Tom Glass, a professor of forensic science, pathology and dental medicine: The same types of bacteria found on a common pacifier have been linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, allergies, asthma and autoimmune diseases.

HealthDay reporters Barbara Bronson Gray writes that Glass said the problems associated with pacificers are also applicable to any removable orthodontic appliance like retainers, mouth guards and dentures. Glass said his researchers were particular concerned about their findings when they discovered that "many of the bacteria growing from the used pacifiers were resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as penicillin and methicillin. The development of such resistance to certain antibiotics does not cause the organism to be more infectious than other strains that have no antibiotic resistance, but it can make the infection more difficult to treat." Glass told Gray that he does not recommend that pacifier use. use. "After doing the study, I say why take a risk?" (Read more)

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18 Kentucky hospitals cited as 'top performers' on accreditation board's annual list

Eighteen Kentucky hospitals have been included on the annual list of hospitals that have excelled at adhering to basic procedures for surgery and other treatment of common illnesses such as heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia. The Joint Commission, the nation’s major hospital accreditation board, has released this year's list of 620 hospitals considered to be “top performers” for following recommended protocols at least 95 percent of the time. The top 18 percent of accredited hospitals make the list.

Among the Kentucky hospitals that qualified on all four measurements were Greenview Hospital in Bowling Green, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville, St. Elizabeth Medical Center in both Florence and Fort Thomas, Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington.

Those qualifying in three categories were the Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville (not in surgery) and the Appalachian Regional Hospitals in Harlan and Middlesboro (not in heart attack).

Qualifying in two categories were Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center in Leitchfield, Frankfort Regional Medical Center, the Hospital of Louisa and Jackson Hospital Corp., all for pneumonia and surgical care.

Recognized for pneumonia care were Parkway Regional Hospital in Fulton, Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center in Paintsville, Logan Memorial Hospital in Russellville and the KentuckyOne Health Hospital in Martin.

Among behavioral-health hospitals, ranked on their in-patient psychiatric care, the Kentucky facilities on the list were the Universal Health Services facility in Bowling Green, the new Cumberland Hall Hospital in Hopkinsville.

According to Kaiser Health News, the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization devoted to patient safety, aided in the rankings process, as did Consumer Reports. The Commission has its own metrics. It's worth noting that next month, Medicare will start using hospital quality rankings on its Hospital Compare website to set reimbursements. (Read more)

Eighteen Kentucky hospitals have been included on the annual list of hospitals that have excelled at adhering to basic procedures for surgery and other treatment of common illnesses such as heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia. The Joint Commission, the nation’s major hospital accreditation board, has released this year's list of 620 hospitals considered to be “top performers” for following recommended protocols at least 95 percent of the time. The top 18 percent of accredited hospitals make the list.

Among the Kentucky hospitals that qualified on all four measurements were Greenview Hospital in Bowling Green, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville, St. Elizabeth Medical Center in both Florence and Fort Thomas, Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington.

Those qualifying in three categories were the Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Louisville (not in surgery) and the Appalachian Regional Hospitals in Harlan and Middlesboro (not in heart attack).

Qualifying in two categories were Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center in Leitchfield, Frankfort Regional Medical Center, the Hospital of Louisa and Jackson Hospital Corp., all for pneumonia and surgical care.

Recognized for pneumonia care were Parkway Regional Hospital in Fulton, Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center in Paintsville, Logan Memorial Hospital in Russellville and the KentuckyOne Health Hospital in Martin.

Among behavioral-health hospitals, ranked on their in-patient psychiatric care, the Kentucky facilities on the list were the Universal Health Services facility in Bowling Green, the new Cumberland Hall Hospital in Hopkinsville.

According to Kaiser Health News, the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization devoted to patient safety, aided in the rankings process, as did Consumer Reports. The Commission has its own metrics. It's worth noting that next month, Medicare will start using hospital quality rankings on its Hospital Compare website to set reimbursements. (Read more)

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Airway inflammation in feline asthma

Cocayne, C. G., C. R. Reinero, et al. (2011). "Subclinical airway inflammation despite high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy in cats with lower airway disease." Journal of feline medicine & surgery 13(8): 558-563.

It is estimated that 1% of the pet cat population is affected by feline asthma and chronic bronchitis. Both conditions are chronic, diffuse inflammatory diseases of the lower airway that can lead to irreversible damage called airway remodeling. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis is the only diagnostic test readily available in a clinical setting to determine the type of inflammatory cell present in the lower airways. There are no studies in cats that have determined if absence of clinical signs correlates with absence of airway inflammation. This study is a retrospective evaluation of 10 cats meeting criteria for inclusion in the study. The goal was to determine the correlation between the resolution of clinical signs in cats receiving oral glucocorticoids with the resolution of inflammation based on BALF cytology. The findings showed that 70% of the cats diagnosed with asthma or chronic bronchitis that had resolution of clinical signs (cough, wheeze, or episodic respiratory distress) with concurrent high-dose glucocorticoid therapy still had evidence of persistent airway inflammation based on BALF cytology. The results support the statement that caution should be used when equating absence of clinical signs with the absence of airway inflammation. Premature tapering of glucocorticoids based on absence of clinical signs in cats with subclinical inflammation could be detrimental in the long run. [VT]

Related articles:  
Leemans, J., N. Kirschvink, et al. (2011). "Effect of short-term oral and inhaled corticosteroids on airway inflammation and responsiveness in a feline acute asthma model." Veterinary journal, in press.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Cocayne, C. G., C. R. Reinero, et al. (2011). "Subclinical airway inflammation despite high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy in cats with lower airway disease." Journal of feline medicine & surgery 13(8): 558-563.

It is estimated that 1% of the pet cat population is affected by feline asthma and chronic bronchitis. Both conditions are chronic, diffuse inflammatory diseases of the lower airway that can lead to irreversible damage called airway remodeling. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis is the only diagnostic test readily available in a clinical setting to determine the type of inflammatory cell present in the lower airways. There are no studies in cats that have determined if absence of clinical signs correlates with absence of airway inflammation. This study is a retrospective evaluation of 10 cats meeting criteria for inclusion in the study. The goal was to determine the correlation between the resolution of clinical signs in cats receiving oral glucocorticoids with the resolution of inflammation based on BALF cytology. The findings showed that 70% of the cats diagnosed with asthma or chronic bronchitis that had resolution of clinical signs (cough, wheeze, or episodic respiratory distress) with concurrent high-dose glucocorticoid therapy still had evidence of persistent airway inflammation based on BALF cytology. The results support the statement that caution should be used when equating absence of clinical signs with the absence of airway inflammation. Premature tapering of glucocorticoids based on absence of clinical signs in cats with subclinical inflammation could be detrimental in the long run. [VT]

Related articles:  
Leemans, J., N. Kirschvink, et al. (2011). "Effect of short-term oral and inhaled corticosteroids on airway inflammation and responsiveness in a feline acute asthma model." Veterinary journal, in press.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Analysis of Bronchoaveolar Lavage Fluid in Cats

Nafe LA, DeClue AE, Reinero CR. Storage alters feline bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytological analysis. J Feline Med Surg 2011;13.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collection is an important diagnostic tool for cats with respiratory disease, especially lower respiratory tract disease. The accurate cytological evaluation of BALF is a useful means of differentiating disease processes. The procedure can also be used as a means to monitor the progression of disease or the response to therapy. The effects of storage on BALF values of total nucleated cell counts (TNCC) and differential cell counts (DCC), cell morphology and cytological diagnosis were evaluated. Samples from 45 research cats with neutrophilic, eosinophilic, and mixed inflammation and healthy controls were utilized for the study. The BALF samples were evaluated at 1 hour, or stored at 4 C° or room temperature for 24 hours, or 4 C° or room temperature for 48 hours. Storage of feline BALF at various time and temperature conditions alters TNCC and DCC, cellular morphology, and cytological diagnosis. There was a significant decrease in BALF TNCC in samples stored at room temperature for 48 hours. There was also an increase in the percentage of BALF eosinophils following storage at room temperature for 24 and 48 hours. The authors noted that it is important to remember that the relative increase in percentage of eosinophils is the result in a decrease in other cell lines due to cellular apoptosis accelerated with the storage at room temperature. Following storage, there was a misclassification of the cytological analysis of BALF from inflammatory airway disease to non-inflammatory in 9-18% of the samples. Many BALF samples (31-57%) had a change in cytological diagnosis following storage, similarly rising along with the increase in storage time and temperature. Ideally, analysis of feline BALF should be performed promptly after collection.  [VT]

Related articles:
Nafe L, Declue AE, Lee-Fowler TM, et al. Evaluation of biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for discrimination between asthma and chronic bronchitis in cats. Am J Vet Res 2010;71:583-591.


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
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Nafe LA, DeClue AE, Reinero CR. Storage alters feline bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytological analysis. J Feline Med Surg 2011;13.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collection is an important diagnostic tool for cats with respiratory disease, especially lower respiratory tract disease. The accurate cytological evaluation of BALF is a useful means of differentiating disease processes. The procedure can also be used as a means to monitor the progression of disease or the response to therapy. The effects of storage on BALF values of total nucleated cell counts (TNCC) and differential cell counts (DCC), cell morphology and cytological diagnosis were evaluated. Samples from 45 research cats with neutrophilic, eosinophilic, and mixed inflammation and healthy controls were utilized for the study. The BALF samples were evaluated at 1 hour, or stored at 4 C° or room temperature for 24 hours, or 4 C° or room temperature for 48 hours. Storage of feline BALF at various time and temperature conditions alters TNCC and DCC, cellular morphology, and cytological diagnosis. There was a significant decrease in BALF TNCC in samples stored at room temperature for 48 hours. There was also an increase in the percentage of BALF eosinophils following storage at room temperature for 24 and 48 hours. The authors noted that it is important to remember that the relative increase in percentage of eosinophils is the result in a decrease in other cell lines due to cellular apoptosis accelerated with the storage at room temperature. Following storage, there was a misclassification of the cytological analysis of BALF from inflammatory airway disease to non-inflammatory in 9-18% of the samples. Many BALF samples (31-57%) had a change in cytological diagnosis following storage, similarly rising along with the increase in storage time and temperature. Ideally, analysis of feline BALF should be performed promptly after collection.  [VT]

Related articles:
Nafe L, Declue AE, Lee-Fowler TM, et al. Evaluation of biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for discrimination between asthma and chronic bronchitis in cats. Am J Vet Res 2010;71:583-591.


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Feline Asthma

Nafe L, Declue AE, Lee-Fowler TM, et al. Evaluation of biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for discrimination between asthma and chronic bronchitis in cats. Am J Vet Res 2010;71:583-591.

Allergic asthma and chronic bronchitis are two common inflammatory conditions that affect the lower airways of cats. It is suggested that asthma in cats is allergic in nature and similar to human allergic asthma that is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled aeroallergens. Chronic bronchitis is thought to be secondary to a previous insult (e.g., infection or inhaled irritants) that damages the airways. Because chronic asthma can damage airways, there is often overlap between these conditions. The study screened the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from a mix of 97 client-owned and research cats with naturally occurring asthma or chronic bronchitis and healthy control cats. The objective was to evaluate the BALF samples for concentrations of interleukin-4, interferin-gamma, tumor necrosis factor, and total nitric oxide metabolites as inflammatory biomarkers for discrimination between asthma and chronic bronchitis in cats. Current diagnostic tests in practice that attempt to differentiate these conditions include thoracic radiography and cytologic analysis of BALF. Both of these testing methods are problematic in discriminating between these diseases. The results of this particular study indicate that the inflammatory mediators investigated did not appear to be useful in differentiation between cats with naturally occurring allergic asthma and those with chronic bronchitis. The authors believe future studies should focus on validating a technique increasing the sensitivity of the currently available feline-specific cytokine assays to determine if this will overcome one possible limitation of the study. [VT]

Related articles:
Cohn LA, DeClue AE, Cohen RL, et al. Effects of fluticasone propionate dosage in an experimental model of feline asthma. J Feline Med Surg 2010;12:91-96.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Nafe L, Declue AE, Lee-Fowler TM, et al. Evaluation of biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for discrimination between asthma and chronic bronchitis in cats. Am J Vet Res 2010;71:583-591.

Allergic asthma and chronic bronchitis are two common inflammatory conditions that affect the lower airways of cats. It is suggested that asthma in cats is allergic in nature and similar to human allergic asthma that is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled aeroallergens. Chronic bronchitis is thought to be secondary to a previous insult (e.g., infection or inhaled irritants) that damages the airways. Because chronic asthma can damage airways, there is often overlap between these conditions. The study screened the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from a mix of 97 client-owned and research cats with naturally occurring asthma or chronic bronchitis and healthy control cats. The objective was to evaluate the BALF samples for concentrations of interleukin-4, interferin-gamma, tumor necrosis factor, and total nitric oxide metabolites as inflammatory biomarkers for discrimination between asthma and chronic bronchitis in cats. Current diagnostic tests in practice that attempt to differentiate these conditions include thoracic radiography and cytologic analysis of BALF. Both of these testing methods are problematic in discriminating between these diseases. The results of this particular study indicate that the inflammatory mediators investigated did not appear to be useful in differentiation between cats with naturally occurring allergic asthma and those with chronic bronchitis. The authors believe future studies should focus on validating a technique increasing the sensitivity of the currently available feline-specific cytokine assays to determine if this will overcome one possible limitation of the study. [VT]

Related articles:
Cohn LA, DeClue AE, Cohen RL, et al. Effects of fluticasone propionate dosage in an experimental model of feline asthma. J Feline Med Surg 2010;12:91-96.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Treatment of Feline Asthma

Cohn LA, DeClue AE, Cohen RL, Reinero CR. Effects of fluticasone propionate dosage in an experimental model of feline asthma. J Feline Med Surg. 2010;12(2):91-96.

Feline inflammatory bronchial diseases (e.g., asthma and chronic bronchitis) are common lower respiratory diseases in cats. The mainstay of therapy for inflammatory airway disease is the administration of glucocorticoids (GCs). Glucocorticoid use is indicated for the treatment of asthma and chronic bronchitis, yet GCs are associated with the potential for adverse side effects. Systemic side effects and the resultant adverse effects can be minimized with the use of topical application of GC to the airways via an inhalational delivery system. The authors utilized a randomized, cross-over study design to investigate the ability of three different dosages of the inhalant GC fluticasone proprionate (Flovent HFA) delivered by a metered dose inhaler to ameliorate eosinophilic airway inflammation in cats with experimentally induced allergic airway inflammation. In addition, suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis at each dose was assessed. Fluticasone was administered at dosages of 44,110, or 220 mcg administered every 12 hours to six cats. All three-dosage regimens of fluticasone resulted in significant amelioration of airway eosinophilia. None of the dose regimens tested caused HPAA suppression. The conclusion was that a twice-daily dose of 44 mcg fluticasone should be evaluated for the management of naturally occurring inflammatory bronchial disease in cats. This is important because fluticasone is a costly drug, and the lower strengths are less expensive than the higher strengths. [VT]

Related articles:
Padrid P. Use of inhaled medications to treat respiratory diseases in dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006;42(2):165-169.

Reinero CR, Delgado C, Spinka C, DeClue AE, Dhand R. Enantiomer-specific effects of albuterol on airway inflammation in healthy and asthmatic cats. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2009;150(1):43-50.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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New for 2010: subscribe to our e-newsletter

Cohn LA, DeClue AE, Cohen RL, Reinero CR. Effects of fluticasone propionate dosage in an experimental model of feline asthma. J Feline Med Surg. 2010;12(2):91-96.

Feline inflammatory bronchial diseases (e.g., asthma and chronic bronchitis) are common lower respiratory diseases in cats. The mainstay of therapy for inflammatory airway disease is the administration of glucocorticoids (GCs). Glucocorticoid use is indicated for the treatment of asthma and chronic bronchitis, yet GCs are associated with the potential for adverse side effects. Systemic side effects and the resultant adverse effects can be minimized with the use of topical application of GC to the airways via an inhalational delivery system. The authors utilized a randomized, cross-over study design to investigate the ability of three different dosages of the inhalant GC fluticasone proprionate (Flovent HFA) delivered by a metered dose inhaler to ameliorate eosinophilic airway inflammation in cats with experimentally induced allergic airway inflammation. In addition, suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis at each dose was assessed. Fluticasone was administered at dosages of 44,110, or 220 mcg administered every 12 hours to six cats. All three-dosage regimens of fluticasone resulted in significant amelioration of airway eosinophilia. None of the dose regimens tested caused HPAA suppression. The conclusion was that a twice-daily dose of 44 mcg fluticasone should be evaluated for the management of naturally occurring inflammatory bronchial disease in cats. This is important because fluticasone is a costly drug, and the lower strengths are less expensive than the higher strengths. [VT]

Related articles:
Padrid P. Use of inhaled medications to treat respiratory diseases in dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006;42(2):165-169.

Reinero CR, Delgado C, Spinka C, DeClue AE, Dhand R. Enantiomer-specific effects of albuterol on airway inflammation in healthy and asthmatic cats. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2009;150(1):43-50.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Follow us on Twitter
New for 2010: subscribe to our e-newsletter

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