TY - JOUR T1 - IMmunotherapy and asthma AU - Tuft L Y1 - 1989/10/06 N1 - 10.1001/jama.1989.03430130046022 JO - JAMA SP - 1772 EP - 1773 VL - 262 IS - 13 N2 - 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 SN - 0098-7484 M3 - doi: 10.1001/jama.1989.03430130046022 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1989.03430130046022 ER -