Author/Authors :
Leonardi, Salvatore Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine - University of Catania, Catania, Italy University , Parisi, Giuseppe Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine - University of Catania, Catania, Italy University , Papale, Maria Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine - University of Catania, Catania, Italy University , Maria Zicari, Anna Pediatrics Department - Umbertol Hospital -Sapienza University, Roma, Italy , Olcese, Roberta Allergy Center - Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy , Licari, Amelia Department of Pediatrics - Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo - University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy , Marseglia, Gianluigi Department of Pediatrics - Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo - University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy , Ciprandi, Giorgio Allergy Clinic, Villa Montallegro, Genoa, Italy
Abstract :
Allergic rhinitis and asthma are closely linked. A progression from rhinitis to overt asthma is common. FEF25-75 is a spirometry parameter that could reflect small airways patency and could reliably predict early bronchial involvement in allergic rhinitis patients. MEF50 very strongly correlates with FEF25-75. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible spirometry change in two groups of children suffering from AR over time. The first group took a course of a nutraceutical (Lertal®) before the observation (active group, AG); a second one was considered as control (control group, CG). The children were visited at baseline, at the end of the nutraceutical course, and after 1 year. FEV1, FVC, and MEF50 were the primary outcomes. After one year, children in AG had significantly higher MEF50 than CG children (p=0.009). In conclusion, the present study showed that a course with a multicomponent nutraceutical could prevent the MEF50 decline in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Keywords :
allergic rhinitis , children , spirometry , asthma , MEF50 , nutraceutical
