CHEST Guidelines-Response

Response_chest (26)
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The letter by Dr. Insu Yılmaz highlights inconsistencies and omissions in a study on the effectiveness of mepolizumab for severe eosinophilic asthma, authored by Kavanagh and colleagues. Dr. Yılmaz points out that the authors erroneously state that responders to mepolizumab were older, had higher BMI, and were more likely to have nasal polyposis than nonresponders, when the word "higher" should be replaced by "lower." Moreover, Dr. Yılmaz indicates that existing studies do analyze baseline clinical characteristics predicting responses to mepolizumab, citing research from the MENSA and MUSCA trials and others, which show varied results regarding BMI’s impact on response levels.<br /><br />Kavanagh and Jackson respond, thanking Dr. Yılmaz for identifying the error and clarifying that their study did not address certain baseline characteristics beyond BMI. They also acknowledge related studies not included in their submission, but argue that these studies focus on different aspects or post-date their work.<br /><br />Separately, another letter discusses studies involving chicken soup’s humorous yet scientifically examined benefits and historical context. Past CHEST publications explored the effects of chicken soup on respiratory health, suggesting some anti-inflammatory actions while embracing cultural ties, such as the thinly veiled medicinal humor by using terms like bobamycin (a playful reference to traditional remedies). Lee K. Brown and colleagues take a light-hearted look at these findings, reminding readers of the importance of evidence-based approaches, particularly amid health crises like COVID-19, which has seen a proliferation of unverified remedies.<br /><br />Both sets of communication within the medical community underscore the importance of diligent review, the value of precise scientific discourse, and the constant interplay between traditional practices and modern scientific validation.
Keywords
mepolizumab
eosinophilic asthma
BMI
nasal polyposis
MENSA trial
MUSCA trial
chicken soup
respiratory health
evidence-based
COVID-19