Determinants of exhaled nitric oxide levels (FeNO) in childhood atopic asthma: evidence for neonatal respiratory distress as a factor associated with low FeNO levels.

Background: In allergic asthmatic children exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels are related to eosinophilic inflammation by correlation analysis. Whether FeNO can be modified by factors potentially influencing the natural history of asthma in early life is not known.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of anamnestic factors influencing the natural history of asthma and to identify potential determinants for elevated or low FeNO levels by multivariate analysis.

The lung and the gut: common origins, close links.

Because of the common embryologic origin, alteration of the many factors modulating the development of the alimentary and the respiratory tract often results in structural abnormalities involving the two systems. Indeed, some of the most common embryologic disorders of the airways are frequently associated with anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract. Lung growth occurs as a series of tightly regulated events, depending on a number of factors, including developmental, genetic and environment ones.

Muscle-sparing thoracotomy combined with mechanically stapled lung resection for benign lung disorders: functional results and quality of life.

We set out to review our experience with resection of benign lung lesions performed using mechanical stapling devices via a muscle-sparing thoracotomy, and provide data on long-term morbidity, functional results, and quality of life (QOL). Fifty-two patients with a benign lung disorder were included in the study. All underwent a lung resection with mechanical staplers via a muscle-sparing thoracotomy.

Activity of budesonide on nasal neutrophilic inflammation and obstruction in children with recurrent upper airway infections. A preliminary investigation.

Objective: While it is widely accepted that inhaled glucocorticosteroids represent an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, little is known on the specific effects of this therapeutic approach in other upper airway disorders of childhood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the improvement of clinical symptoms and changes in local cellular inflammatory reaction induced by budesonide inhalation suspension in children with recurrent nasal infections using budesonide inhalation suspension delivered by Rinowash, a nebulizer designed to treat upper airway structures.

Methods: In a randomized, controlled-open study, 14 children (5.