Immunotherapy and Asthma

To the Editor.—  In the July 22/29 issue of JAMA are two articles and one editorial relating to the alarming increase in mortality rates from asthma noted in various countries, including the United States. In the article by Ratto et al,¹ entitled "Are Intravenous Corticosteroids Required in Status Asthmaticus?" it was concluded that "oral methylprednisolone is safe and effective in the treatment of status asthmaticus." The 77 patients described also inhaled β-agonists (Alupent), aminophylline, and oral theophylline as needed. In the accompanying editorial, entitled "Step Care for Asthma," Dr Bone² writes, "Despite recent advances in the therapy for bronchial asthma, the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease are increasing, with concomitant increases in the sale of bronchodilator medications." The article by Kirn³ in Medical News & Perspectives was entitled "Asthma Mortality Rate Raises Questions, Emphasizes Need to Determine Facts of Situation." The conclusions reached by all