[Effect of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine on Th1/Th2 cytokines level in children with asthma].

Objective: To discuss the effect of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine on Th1/Th2 cytokines level in children with asthma.

Method: Children with asthma were randomly divided into control group and treatment group. The control group was given Montelukast Sodium tablets for 4 mg (2-5 years old) or 5 mg (6-14 years old), once every night before sleeping. At the same time, the treatment group was given Pingchuan water decoction additionally for one tie per day, in four to six-divided doses for eight weeks. On the other hand, groups of health children were selected as blank control. Before and after treatment, the level of IL-4, IL-13 and IFN-gamma were detected by elisa from 3 mL of venous blood.

Result: Before treatment, IL-4 and IL-13 in two groups were obviously higher than healthy group, but IFN-gamma was lower (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). After eight weeks, IL-4 and IL-13 in treatment group went down, but IFN-gamma increased. And there were significant different compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Treating children asthma by integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine can obviously reduce IL4 and IL-13, increase IFN-gamma, and therefore lighten the airway inflammation, prevent asthma attacks effectively.