[Measurement of peak expiratory flow in young children: comparison of four portable equipments].

Background: Peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring is seldom used in young children because peak flow meter normal values are needed for children less than 7 years old.

Population And Methods: PEF was measured in 152 non asthmatic school children, aged 2.9 to 14.

Excretion of platelet activating factor-acetylhydrolase and phospholipase A2 into nasal fluids after allergenic challenge: possible role in the regulation of platelet activating factor release.

Platelet activating factor (PAF), a proinflammatory mediator synthesized through a phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-dependent reaction, is hydrolyzed into its inactive metabolite, lyso-PAF, by a specific acetylhydrolase. Previous studies have shown that allergen challenge of patients with allergic rhinitis leads to an increase of the concentrations of lyso-PAF in nasal lavage fluid (NLF), whereas PAF is detected only marginally. PAF-hydrolyzing enzymes are expected to be released on allergenic challenge, to account for the reduced concentrations of PAF in NLF.