Atopic dermatitis: Guideline for topical therapies

A multidisciplinary workgroup has strongly recommended the use of topical steroids, moisturizers, topical calcineurin inhibitors, topical Janus kinase (JAK) and PDE-4 inhibitors for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in adults. Bathing and wet wrap therapy have been given conditional recommendations. However, the group has recommended against the use of topical antiseptics, antimicrobials and antihistamines (Source: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023 Jan 11;S0190-9622(23)00004-X).

Semaglutide wins FDA approval for obesity in adolescents

Semaglutide 2.4 mg, a GLP-1 agonist, has now been granted FDA approval for use in adolescents aged 12 years and older. It is to be administered subcutaneously once a week along with lifestyle intervention involving dietary modification and increased physical activity (Source: Medscape, Jan. 3, 2023).

US may soon end emergency declaration for Mpox

The US is considering ending the public health emergency status for Mpox from February 1, 2023 in view of the declining number of cases in the country, according to the US Health Department. Mpox was declared a public health emergency in August last year after more than 6000 cases were reported (Source: Reuters, Dec. 3, 2022).

NLR ratio: A prognostic marker for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis doubled their risk of death if the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was ≥ 2.9 with hazard ratio of 2.04. In the study published in The Lancet, NLR also correlated with Gender-Age-Physiology (GAP) stage and GAP index, which is a prognostic score. Significant differences in survival were observed for GAP stage 2 but not  forGAP stage 1 or 3. (Source: Medscape, Jan. 5, 2023).

A combination rescue inhaler for asthma 

The US FDA has approved a dual rescue inhaler, containing inhaled corticosteroid (budesonide 160 mcg) and short-acting beta2 agonist (albuterol 180 mcg), for asthma in patients aged 18 years and older. The pressured, metered-dose inhaler is approved for as-needed treatment to reduce risk of asthma exacerbations (Source: Medpage Today, Jan. 11, 2023).