Standardization procedure for the nasal nitric oxide measurement method using Niox MINO® and the tidal-breathing technique with velum-closure.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule that performs many functions in the human body. The entire respiratory tract can produce NO, but the highest production occurs in the upper respiratory tract, in the paranasal sinuses in particular. The aim of the present study was to assess a new nasal NO (nNO) measurement method using the Niox MINO Nasal® device (Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden) and a special procedure, in order to compare the nNO values obtained in 32 healthy subjects with the values found in the international literature. The measured normal nNO values were equal to 426.76±143.27 ppb, with a 95% confidence interval [160.22-733.30]. Males had an average nNO value equal to 446.76±133.63 [178.64 – 714.02], whereas in females the average value was 403.80±154.90 [94.00-713.60]. This study allows us to confirm that we have been able to establish the normal range of nitric oxide quantity produced in the nasal/sinus cavities of healthy individuals using the Niox MINO Nasal® device and tidal-breathing with velum-closure manoeuvre.

Pre-co-seasonal Allergen Immunotherapy in Parietaria allergic patients.

BACKGROUND: Even though the Parietaria pollen season may be rather long, many physicians think that Parietaria pollen is a perennial allergen present along the whole year. In fact, many doctors prefer to prescribe allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in Parietaria allergic patients, using continuous courses. On the other hand, physicians usually prescribe pre-co-seasonal AIT course for other pollen allergies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at investigating whether a single pre-co-seasonal AIT course could be effective in Parietaria allergic patients. METHODS: Globally, 59 subjects (31 males, mean age 35.9 years) were retrospectively evaluated. All were treated with SLIT as a pre-co-seasonal course: 33 with Parietaria extract and 26 with birch extract. Patients' perception of symptom severity and medication use was assessed by visual analogue scale, comparing the previous pollen season and the present. RESULTS: The Parietaria 2012 pollen season started from the 60(th) day and ended at the 205(th) day of 2012. A single pre-co-seasonal SLIT course was able to significantly (p < 0.0001) reduce symptom severity and medication use. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study demonstrates that Parietaria pollen season in Genoa lasted about six months and a single pre-co-seasonal SLIT Parietaria course could be sufficient to reduce symptom severity and medication use.