Hydrogen peroxide in exhaled breath condensate in asthmatic children during acute exacerbation and after treatment.

BACKGROUND: In asthmatics, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) has been found to be increased and to be related to airway inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether in children with acute exacerbation, exhaled H(2)O(2) levels could be influenced by treatment and linked to airway obstruction. METHODS: Twenty-two asthmatic children (mean age 9.4 years, range 6-14) with asthma exacerbation and 12 healthy children (mean age 11.7 years, range 7-15) were enrolled. Concentrations of exhaled H(2)O(2) before and after standard treatment for asthma attack were compared with those of controls and with clinical observation. Asthmatic children and controls underwent spirometry and skin prick tests to common aeroallergens. RESULTS: Exhaled H(2)O(2) concentrations were significantly higher in children with asthma both before (median 0.273 µM; p < 0.001) and after pharmacologic treatment (median 0.303 µM; p = 0.001) compared to control values (median 0.045 µM). After treatment, exhaled H(2)O(2) concentrations remained significantly higher in children with and without auscultatory wheezing than in controls (p = 0.034 and p < 0.001, respectively). EBC H(2)O(2) levels in asthmatics before treatment did not differ from those after treatment. No correlation was found between H(2)O(2) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s values. All asthmatics but one were atopics. CONCLUSIONS: In children with acute asthma exacerbation, exhaled H(2)O(2) concentrations in EBC are significantly elevated. In the short-term follow-up, H(2)O(2) levels remain at high levels and are not correlated with lung function or improvement in symptoms.

Management of acute rhinosinusitis.

Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is one of the most common reasons for physician visits and for significant school absenteeism, although precise data on its prevalence and incidence are still lacking. RS is defined as acute if there are symptoms lasting <12 wk with complete resolution. Superinfection by bacteria following a viral infection is the most important mechanism of ARS. Diagnosis of ARS should be made on clinical grounds alone. Typically, acute bacterial RS is self-limited and goes through spontaneous recovery within 4 wk. Recognizing the occurrence of bacterial superinfections of the sinuses during a common viral respiratory infection is fundamental to making the decision to start an appropriate antibiotic treatment. Topical treatments such as saline irrigation, nasal decongestants, steroids, antihistamines, and fungicides are all in widespread pediatric use, but analyzing the literature gives poor evidence of efficacy, except for topical steroids. RS is a multifactorial condition that poses a diagnostic and management challenge to infectivologist and ear-nose-throat specialists as well as to pediatricians.

Ribosome-component immune modulation of respiratory tract infections in children.

More than 25% of infants in their first year of life and 18% of children aged between 1 and 4 years suffer from recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs) in Western countries. Although RRIs are self-limiting as a rule, complications may include otitis media, sinusitis, and bronchial and pulmonary infections. This study was designed to present the available data on immune modulators (defined as drugs that interact with the immune system and modulate immune function by stimulating a more rapid and effective immune response). A ribosome-component immune modulator (RCIM) designed to stimulate both specific and nonspecific immunity in children and thus prevent or alleviate RRI is also described. A narrative review of the literature was performed with a focus on clinical trials. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have shown that an RCIM effectively prevents recurrent bronchopulmonary and ear-nose-throat infections; in particular, the number, severity, and duration of infectious episodes and the numbers of antibiotic courses, concomitant medications, and days away from school (children) or the workplace (parents) were reduced. Use of a RCIM is clinically efficacious, incurs minimal risk of adverse events, and, thus, represents a consistent therapeutic approach for RRIs.

Anaphylaxis in the emergency department: a paediatric perspective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Correct management of anaphylactic manifestations in the emergency department is crucial to prevent mortality and future episodes, in particular for paediatric patients. We make here recommendations based on a critical review of the evidence for the management of anaphylaxis in emergency department with particular emphasis on children. RECENT FINDINGS: Available information suggests that anaphylaxis must be promptly recognized keeping in mind the airway patency, breathing (ventilation and respiration), circulation and mental status and treated. The first treatment is epinephrine. After successful treatment of an anaphylactic episode, attention must be paid at prevention of early recurrences (biphasic anaphylaxis) and assessment of causes. Patients should not be discharged before prescribing self-injectable epinephrine and explain how and in under what circumstances it must be injected; giving an action plan to be communicated to their communities; inform the school about the possible occurrence of reactions and the appropriate avoidance and rescue measures; and consider the necessity of a Medic-Alert identification. SUMMARY: As gross differences have been described in the awareness of the disease and its management between allergists and nonallergists, allergists should interact with emergency doctors to improve education in this area.