Comparative analysis of the bronchodilator response measured by impulse oscillometry (IOS), spirometry and body plethysmography in asthmatic children.

Background: Asthma is common among young children. The assessment of respiratory resistance by the impulse oscillometry system (IOS), based on the superimposition of respiratory flow by short-time impulses, requires no patient active collaboration.

Aim: We evaluated the baseline repeatability and bronchodilator response of IOS indices in preschool children, their correlation with spirometry and whole body plethysmography, and differences between atopic and nonatopic children.

[Treatment perspectives: immunotherapy with latex].

Latex allergy currently constitutes a serious problem because of the severity of its symptoms and the at-risk groups it affects. Since complete avoidance of this substance is practically impossible, in the last few years intense efforts have been made to standardize a latex extract with the aim not only of improving clinical diagnosis but also of being able to offer other therapeutic alternatives, such as specific immunotherapy.Since 1998, reports of immunotherapy with oral (three patients) subcutaneous (one patient) and sublingual latex desensitization (one patient) have been published.