Contributions
Dr. Purvi Parikh: Asthma Management Strategies
In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with allergist and immunologist Dr. Purvi Parikh, we discuss treatment strategies for patients with severe asthma and how to avoid asthma exacerbations and emergency visits for asthma. MD Newsline: What is your treatment strategy for patients with severe asthma? Dr. Purvi Parikh: “Patients with severe asthma often need medications...
Dr. Purvi Parikh: Asthma, Allergies, and the COVID-19 Vaccine
In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with allergist and immunologist Dr. Purvi Parikh, we discuss how the COVID-19 vaccine has impacted people with asthma and allergies. We also discuss allergic reactions and adverse reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine. MD Newsline: How has the COVID-19 vaccine impacted your patients with asthma and allergies? Dr. Purvi Parikh:...
Dr. Purvi Parikh: Overcoming Asthma Disparities
In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with allergist and immunologist Dr. Purvi Parikh, we discuss how asthma disparities affect Black and Brown communities. MD Newsline: Do racial/ethnic minority patients experience more severe asthma? If so, why? Dr. Purvi Parikh: “Yes, minority patients do experience more severe asthma for a variety of reasons. Asthma is as...
Kidney Transplant Disparities in Sickle Cell Disease
According to research performed at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland, patients with kidney failure secondary to sickle cell disease are less likely to receive kidney transplants than patients with chronic kidney disease from other causes, even when registered for a kidney transplant. Although patients with sickle...
New Drug Shows Promise for Sickle Cell Disease
IMR-687 is classified as a phosphodiesterase 9 (PDE9) inhibitor. By blocking selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors, PDE9s increase cellular adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cellular adenosine triphosphate (cATP), allowing cells to function in ways previously inhibited. Before clinical testing, IMR-687 was shown to reduce erythrocyte sickling in vitro. In patients treated with IMR-687, fetal hemoglobin levels increased when...
Curing Sickle Cell Disease by DNA Modification
Sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia are caused by gene mutations affecting hemoglobin. The former causes erythrocytes to assume a sickle shape, often causing deformed red blood cells to clog arteries. As a result, organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver are deprived of oxygen, contributing to significant pain. Hemoglobin molecules in beta-thalassemia carry...
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Childhood ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
In this study published in PEDIATRICS, 4,297 children were surveyed three times during fifth, seventh, and tenth grades. Participants were recruited from Birmingham, Alabama, Houston, Texas, and Los Angeles, California. Parents were asked questions from the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Predictive Scales. Parents reported on signs of oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, and conduct disorder....
Engaging Minority Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
The United States healthcare system is plagued with disparities that affect patient engagement based on race and ethnicity. African Americans and Latinos are less likely to have access to treatment, seek treatment, and continue their treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Initial diagnosis and treatment rates data reveal increased risk of and progression of benign prostatic...
Bone Mass and Prostate Cancer Risk
The research team of The Framingham Study sought to examine the relationship between bone mass and the risk of prostate cancer. They hypothesized bone mass might be a potential biological marker for cumulative exposure to androgens as well as calcium intake. The researchers questioned if individuals with high bone mass might have an increased risk...