| |
|
Sept. 10, 2008 |
| |
|
Welcome to ACAAI eNews
— a bi-weekly aggregated news service from the American
College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. To be removed
from this distribution list, please see instructions
at bottom. |
| |
 |
Top Stories |
| |
|
|
|
Association News |
| |
|
|
|
Fellows-in-Training |
| |
|
|
|
Periodicals |
| |
|
|
|
Calendar |
| |
|
|
|
Archive |
| |
|
|
|
FIT Archive |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Distance Learning |
Conferences On Line Allergy Initiative (COLA)
2008 ACAAI/AAAAI Certification/Maintenance of Certification Board Review Course
2007 ACAAI Annual Meeting Podcasts and Vodcasts
2007 ACAAI Annual Meeting CME Symposium
Link |
|
Periodicals |
•
Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Current issue
• AllergyWatch
Current issue
|
|
Calendar |
|
SEPTEMBER
NY Allergy and Asthma Society
Sinusitis – Fall Scientific Program
Pending ACAAI Joint Sponsorship
Sept. 17, New York, N.Y.
Contact: Songhui Ma
Tel: 212-342-7410
Email
Arizona Allergy & Asthma Society Annual Meeting
Pending ACAAI Joint Sponsorship
Sept. 27-28, Phoenix, Ariz.
Contact: Miriam K. Anand, MD
Tel: 480-838-4296
Email
OCTOBER
3rd International Symposium in Italy
Co-sponsored by ACAAI
Oct. 1, Verona, Italy
Oct. 3-4, Venice, Italy
Contact: Jacqueline Roberts
Tel: 301-938-2941
Email
Northwest Allergy Forum 2008
Washington State Society of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology
Pending ACAAI Joint Sponsorship
Oct. 3-5, Seattle, Wash.
Contact: Hannah Scott
Tel: 206-341-1353
Email
Update in Allergy and Immunology
Nassau University
Pending ACAAI Joint Sponsorship
Oct. 16, East Meadow, N.Y.
Contact: Marianne Frieri, MD, PhD
Tel: 718-631-9440
Email
Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Society
Pending ACAAI Joint Sponsorship
Oct. 17-18, Hot Springs, Va.
Contact: Eric Bletzinger
Tel: 270-684-6144
Email
New York Allergy & Asthma Society
Difficult Problems in Asthma, Allergy & Immunology
Pending ACAAI Joint Sponsorship
Oct. 31, New York, N.Y.
Contact: Golda Hudes, MD
Tel: 212-595-6460
Email
NOVEMBER
XIX World Congress of Asthma
Nov. 5-8, Monte-Carlo
Contact: Mrs. Leonetta Baldini
Tel: +377 97 97 35 55
Email
Link
ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting
Nov. 6-11, Seattle, Wash
Tel: 847-427-1200
Email
Link
DECEMBER
ACAAI-IAACI Conference in Israel
Allergists For Israel
Pending ACAAI Joint Sponsorship
Dec. 3-6, Jerusalem, Israel
Contact: Beth Goldfarb
Tel: 513-891-0880
Email
ONGOING
World Allergy Organization Society Meetings
ACAAI CME JOINT SPONSORSHIP ACCREDITATION
Contact: Mary Campbell
Tel: 847-427-1200
Email
|
Sponsored
By |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top
Stories |
|
|
Reading patch tests later may reveal more positive reactions
Reading allergy patch tests after the usual five-day wait may show more positive reactions, according to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Scientists at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., reviewed clinical database records to measure the frequency of reactions as well as determine which allergens tend to show delayed-positive reactions. Among at least 50 patients, 117 out of 170 allergens had different reactions on day five than they did days seven to 21. In general, 14 allergens were significantly more likely to have a higher positive reaction on days seven through 21 than day five. Allergens that had more delayed positive reactions included some metals, topical antibiotics, some preservatives, and a surfactant. Purified protein derivative and corticosteroid reactions were rarely positive after day five. 
FDA launches medical product promotion Web sites
The Food and Drug Administration recently announced the launch of two new Web sites providing information about how the agency regulates the promotion of medical products. The first, “Advertising Prescription Drugs and Medical Devices,” provides information about FDA regulation of medical product promotion, including relevant laws, regulations, and guidance. The second, “Be Smart about Prescription Drug Advertising: A Guide for Consumers,” is designed to educate consumers about how to view prescription drug advertising to help inform their discussions with their healthcare providers, and thus help improve their understanding. The second site was created in collaboration with EthicAd, an independent, nonprofit organization.
Nuts frequently trigger kids’ allergic reactions
Most allergic reactions happen at home, are triggered by peanuts and cashews, and aren’t treated right away, according to a study in the journal Allergy. Researchers at Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, reviewed case notes from about 123 anaphylactic reactions in 117 children (including one death) during a five-year period. The children’s median age was 2.4 years, and 17 percent had experienced a previous allergic reaction. Food was the anaphylactic trigger 85 percent of the time, with peanuts and cashews to blame in 18 percent and 13 percent of cases, respectively. Drugs were the cause 6 percent and insect stings 3 percent of the time. Of all the locations, home was where most (48 percent) reactions took place. Symptoms included breathing, skin, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular symptoms. The median time from exposure to reaction was 10 minutes. The median time until treatment was 40 minutes.
|
| |
Message from Dr. Todd A. Mahr
Workshop Committee Chair and former Regent
It is always an exciting opportunity to work on various aspects of the ACAAI Annual Meeting. This past year, I had the opportunity to chair the Workshop Committee. The Annual Meeting is always a fluid, changing environment. It grows as the College grows. All of the planning groups look seriously at the evaluations from the past few years and also suggestions made for new topics or focus areas. So, that brings me to one important point that was made by Dr. James Claflin, CME/CPT Committee chair in the August 27 eNews. This year, we will be asking for more input to help us grow and, ideally, better meet your needs.
One of the hardest parts of planning is the need to work within the constraints of the Annual Meeting space. Specifically, how many rooms are available during the time blocks? Workshops are two hours long. Most have a small fee associated with them, and they are meant to be more intense or content-specific than can be covered in a plenary or symposium lecture. They are either “hands-on” or encouraged to be interactive and, thus, have limited enrollment to facilitate that learning. Unique this year, we will be trialing two workshops designed and presented specifically in the Problem Based Learning (PBL) format. Dr. Ray Davis will be participating with Dr. Don Bukstein in “Beyond ICS Monotherapy in Children,” (W-7) and with Dr. Mark Dykewicz in “Stinging Insect Anaphylaxis: Evaluation and Management” (W-16). Many of you may find the PBL format a stimulating way to learn.
Every year, we have workshops that are solid “performers,” meaning they are popular, attract many participants and get great reviews. We try and repeat many of these, and also ask the faculty for ways to improve them. You will see a number of these in the program when you review the workshops section. Many are in areas in which allergists think they may need to strengthen their skills, such as the Rhinolaryngoscopy (W-4 and W-12), dermatology issues (W-8 and W-31) and “Hot Topics in Pediatric Allergy, Asthma and Immunology” (W-17).
We also act on the recommendations of past evaluations and add new workshops. This year, in addition to the PBL programs highlighted above, I would like to draw your attention to a few new workshops: “Allergic Occupational Diseases” (W-6); “Severe Persistent Asthma” (W-11); “Office Diagnosis and Management of Immunodeficiency” (W-21); “Immunity and Autism” (W-27); “Respiratory Symptoms Due to Laryngeal Disorders” (W-29); and “Exercise Induced Asthma and Sports Allergy” (W-30).
We also have a number of workshops focused on improving your practice, from “Preparing for and Choosing an Electronic Medical Record” (W-14) and “Establishing an Internet Presence for Your Practice” (W-15) to “Web-Based Outcomes Measurement Tools in Your Practice” (W-26) and “Desktop Publishing for Your Practice” (W-24).
It has been a great experience helping to program for the ACAAI Annual Meeting. I think the meeting in Seattle will hold something for everyone as we are “Embracing the Challenges of Change.” See you in Seattle!
|
| |
|
Association
News |
| |
College launches the “HOME” allergen control program
 In a recent survey, ACAAI members said that 62 percent of their patients suffer allergy symptoms caused by indoor allergens. Stressing the importance of managing exposure to indoor allergens, the College launched HOME: Home Allergy Management for Everyone.
The program’s online resource and colorful brochure simplify indoor allergen management with five top prevention tips. The HOME program features room-by-room tips on reducing allergens indoors. Patients also can access information on the different types of prominent indoor allergens, including dust mites, pet allergens, and mold spores. The online interactive Allergy Index Indoor Rating Tool offers customized information about how to manage exposure to allergens in the home.
The College is conducting a national media campaign promoting the Web site, the brochure, and results of both an ACAAI member survey and patient survey about indoor allergens.
“Managing indoor allergens is crucial, but when we surveyed patients and ACAAI members, we saw the need first-hand for indoor allergy education,” said ACAAI President Dr. Jay M. Portnoy, “We’ve designed a program that educates patients with need-to-know tips and convenient solutions. We hope this new resource makes a difference in how allergy patients and families manage allergens within their homes.”
The program, supported by a grant from the Clorox Company, was developed under the direction of the Indoor Environment Committee, including Drs. Portnoy, James M. Seltzer, chair, and James L. Sublett, vice chair.
Look for your copy of the brochure titled HOME: Home Allergy Management for Everyone and results of the ACAAI member and consumer survey in ACAAI News.
Immunotherapy, dermatoses programs to kick off Annual Meeting
The 2008 ACAAI Annual Meeting at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, Nov. 6-11, will prepare you for Embracing the Challenges of Change.
Two half-day programs kick off the meeting on Thursday, Nov. 6, with a morning session on immunotherapy and an afternoon session devoted to clinical dermatological allergy.
“A highly innovative program on ‘Tracking Immunotherapy’ will take you for a ride on the SLIT express. Experts from around the globe will discuss the merits of SCIT and SLIT, prepare you to avoid a wreck, distinguish those ‘rolling’ or ‘in transit,’ and decide to get on the train or wait for a better one,” said ACAAI President-Elect and Program Chair Dr. Richard G. Gower.
“In the second half of the day, dermatological experts will present information vital to the growth of your practice, as they first show you how to ‘Map Out the Dermatoses’ and then teach you how to manage difficult cases. They will discuss dermatitis from medical devices and implants —– and, in children, the treatment of recalcitrant atopic dermatitis and urticaria — among other topics,” Dr. Gower said.
Join your colleagues in the vibrant city of Seattle for a state-of-the-art, dynamic scientific program built on 65 years of experience. Access online registration, online housing, printable housing forms and the Preliminary Program from the College member Web site. Attendees can register for housing by using the housing form located on the Web site and in the preliminary program. Preliminary Programs have been mailed to all members.
Remember to order your tickets early for the Annual Fundraising Dinner and Cirque Ingenieux Sunday evening, Nov. 9.
Call for Abstracts: ACAAI-IAACI Conference in Israel
The College and the Israel Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology invite you to submit abstracts for their jointly sponsored state-of-the-art CME scientific conference in Jerusalem, Dec. 3-6, 2008. The abstract submission deadline is Oct. 3.
Please e-mail your abstract to drkidon@bezeqint.net or lyranKidon@gmail.com. Entering of an abstract and its publication in the meeting abstract book entails an agreement to register and attend the meeting. Register and view program information online.
The meeting will be held at the Inbal Jerusalem Hotel, situated in the heart of modern Jerusalem. It overlooks Liberty Bell Park and the Old City, and is within easy walking distance of the city's main cultural, historical, and holy sites. For travel or tour arrangements, e-mail Lisa Keller with International Travel Exchange at lakeller7@yahoo.com or call 1-352-291-0448 or 215-275-7929.
Don’t miss this unforgettable experience. Plan to attend the ACAAI – IAACI Conference, Dec. 3-6, in Jerusalem.
|
| |
|
AMA Corner |
| |
Welcome to the AMA Corner prepared by Dr. Alnoor A. Malick, ACAAI Delegate to the AMA House of Delegates, to keep you abreast of important AMA news and developments affecting allergy-immunology.
Help simplify prior authorization — take survey
Prior authorization (PA), the process of obtaining pre-approval from a payer for specified medications or quantities of medications, varies by drug, indication, and gender, among other factors. Therefore, each payer has its own set of PA criteria.
Recognizing this problem and the need for a standardized process, the AMA encourages all physicians to take part in a survey in an effort to educate physician practices on how to utilize electronic processes more efficiently. The survey aims to acquire a greater understanding of the PA process, perceptions and opinions around the current standards, and what — if any — support exists for establishing electronic PA (e-PA) going forward.
The results will be used to define and develop a new e-PA standard, engage the electronic prescribing industry in a consensus-building process to define and select an e-PA standard, and help formulate a general understanding of industry needs around e-PA transactions.
AMA resource can help physicians select EMR/EHR systems
With the large number of electronic medical record (EMR) and electronic health record (EHR) vendors on the market, procuring the right EMR/EHR system can be an intimidating process for many physicians. To help, the AMA recently developed the educational resource “15 questions to ask before signing an electronic medical record or electronic health record agreement.” This list of questions can help physicians assess the needs of their practices and determine which vendors can best meet those needs.
New medical licensure book now available
Physicians looking for up-to-date information about every facet of medical licensure, including obtaining an initial license or updating an existing one, are encouraged to turn to the AMA’s newly updated 2009 edition of State Medical Licensure Requirements and Statistics. Visit the Web site or call (800) 621-8335 to order a copy. |
| |
|
Fellows-in-Training |
| |
Board Review Corner
Welcome to the Board Review Corner prepared by Drs. Bret R. Haymore and Jennifer W. Mbuthia, Senior and Junior Representatives of ACAAI’s fellows-in-training (FITs) to the Board of Regents. The Board Review Corner is an opportunity to help hone your Board preparedness.
To refer to a previous Board Review Corner, click the “FIT Archive” link in the left column.
Review Questions: Chapter 35 of Pediatric Allergy: Principles & Practices, edited by Donald Y.M. Leung, et al. Review questions were written by Dr. Bret R. Haymore, Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
|
|
