Purpose of review In December 2019, a novel respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first described and named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although the knowledge base surrounding COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 has grown rapidly, significant gaps in our knowledge remain and inaccurate information continues to circulate. This review will discuss the interaction between asthma and COVID-19 to provide a comprehensive understanding based on the currently available published data. Recent findings Non-SARS human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are a significant cause of asthma exacerbations, but SARS-CoV-2 does not appear to exacerbate asthma. Data thus far strongly suggest that patients with asthma are at no increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 or more severe disease if infected with COVID-19. Although the data are extremely limited on inhaled corticosteroids and biologic medications, there remain no data suggesting that these therapeutics positively or negatively impact the severity or outcome of COVID-19. Summary Data are rapidly evolving regarding COVID-19 and asthma. At this time, asthma does not appear to positively or negatively affect outcomes of COVID-19; however, it is imperative that practitioners keep abreast of the changing literature as we await a vaccine and control of this pandemic.

CD4 expression identifies a subset of mature T-cells primarily assisting the germinal center reaction and contributing to CD8 +-T-cell and B-cell activation, functions and longevity. Herein, we present a family in which a novel variant disrupting the translation-initiation-codon of the CD4 gene resulted in complete loss of membrane and plasma soluble-CD4 in peripheral blood, lymph node, bone marrow, skin and ileum of a homozygous proband. This inherited CD4-knock-out disease illustrates the clinical and immunological features of a complete deficiency of any functional component of CD4 and its similarities and differences with other clinical models of primary or acquired loss of CD4 +-T-cells.

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Although performing paediatric catheter ablations outside the traditional cath lab is early in our experience, we produced similar outcomes and results without encountering procedural difficulties of performing ablations in a non-conventional setting. Larger multi-centred trials will be essential to determine the feasibility of this practice.