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A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion
Published on: May 12, 2023
Precision medicine in childhood asthma
Elise M Slob1,2, Anke-Hilse Maitland-Van der Zee1,2, Gerard H Koppelman3,4
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam.
Precision medicine offers a tailored approach to childhood asthma management. Current strategies use clinical factors and biomarkers, with genomics and pharmacogenomics showing future potential for personalized asthma care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Precision Medicine
- Asthma Research
Background:
- Childhood asthma is a complex, heterogeneous condition often leading to uncontrolled disease.
- An individualized treatment approach is crucial for improving asthma outcomes in children.
- Current treatment selection based solely on clinical characteristics remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of precision medicine in managing childhood asthma.
- To explore the application of clinical characteristics, biomarkers, genomics, and pharmacogenomics for personalized asthma care.
- To identify strategies for achieving asthma control and reducing risks with minimized side effects in children.
Main Methods:
- Review of current clinical characteristics and biomarkers (eosinophils, IgE, FeNO) for asthma management.
- Evaluation of novel monoclonal antibodies for severe, eosinophilic asthma.
- Analysis of pharmacogenetic studies identifying risks associated with inhaled corticosteroids.
Main Results:
- Monoclonal antibodies demonstrate efficacy in severe, eosinophilic asthma.
- Reduced lung function growth and early decline are common in persistent childhood asthma.
- Pharmacogenetic studies highlight risks of cortisol suppression with inhaled corticosteroids.
Conclusions:
- Clinical characteristics and basic biomarkers can guide a foundational precision medicine approach.
- Inhaled corticosteroids and biologics (omalizumab, mepolizumab) can be targeted using current precision methods.
- Further research into pharmacogenomics and breathomics is needed for advanced precision medicine applications in pediatric asthma.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Uncertainty in Measurement: Accuracy and Precision

