Laser acupuncture and probiotics in school age children with asthma: a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study of therapy guided by principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) postulates an interaction between the lung as a Yin-organ and the large intestine as a Yang-organ. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate in asthmatic school age children whether treatment with laser acupuncture and probiotics according to TCM portends a clinical benefit to standard medical treatment performed according to pediatric guidelines. Seventeen children aged 6-12 yr with intermittent or mild persistent asthma were enrolled in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study.

Improvements of lung function in cystic fibrosis.

Improved care for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has led to their improved survival. We analyzed retrospectively whether improvements in lung function (LF) could be detected in our CF patients over the decade 1980-1990. In 72 patients, 153 LF measurements were performed in their first year of life (1980-1991), and then 189 LF measurements were performed again in 60 of those patients during their sixth year of life (1987-1997).