© 2005 American Thoracic Society doi: 10.1164/rccm.2505007
What's New in Asthma?National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, Colorado Asthma remains one of the most common chronic respiratory problems clinicians face. The AJRCCM is dedicated to bringing its readers not only original research in basic, translational, and clinical areas, but to present up-to-date and interesting topics in asthma. Thus, a new series, "AJRCCM Asthma Review," begins in the Journal with the first four installments interspersed throughout the rest of the year. The first article occurs in this issue of the Journal (pp. 12–18). Michael Wechsler and Elliot Israel cover an exceptionally important and timely topic: "How pharmacogenomics will play a role in the management of asthma." It will come to pass, in the very near future, that we will be using pharmacogenetics to guide our therapeutic interventions in our patients with asthma. This article helps to explain the issues involved. In the second article, Sally Wenzel tackles the difficult topic of "severe asthma." Although the patient with severe asthma represents a small portion of the entire asthma population, this group has a major impact on health care utilization and costs. Novel approaches as to categorization and therapy for these individuals will be covered in this review. The third article will be a pro–con debate on an issue that is starting to be hotly discussed: "Daily inhaled corticosteroid treatment should be prescribed for mild persistent asthma." Both national and international guidelines indicate that for our patients with mild persistent asthma, inhaled corticosteroids should be used. Or should they? Paul O'Byrne will take the pro position, with Homer Boushey supporting the con position. The fireworks should be interesting. The final article of the series will focus on "The role of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of asthma: the present and future," authored by Michael Larj, Stephen Peters, and Eugene Bleecker. Presently, there is one monoclonal antibody in use for asthma, with additional novel agents becoming more prevalent in the coming years. It is imperative that pulmonologists understand these new agents and be able to use them when indicated. The Journal is always interested in your opinion about this type of series, and we hope that it is informative and enjoyable. FOOTNOTES Conflict of Interest Statement: R.J.M. does not have a financial relationship with a commercial entity that has an interest in the subject of this manuscript.
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