Background Calprotectin is a cytosolic protein that belongs to the S-100 protein group with immunomodulatory and antiproliferative actions. The level of this protein increases in infection, inflammation, and malignancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of...

The objective. was to investigate L-Carnitine level and the effects of its supplementation in children with moderate persistent Asthma. Methods. Free and total serum carnitine levels were measured in 50 children having moderate persistent asthma and 50 healthy control children. The patients group was randomly divided into two subgroups. Subgroup A was supplemented with L-carnitine for 6 months ...

Background: Several studies have shown links between the upper and lower airways in allergic patients. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of rhinitis in patients with allergic asthma attending allergy outpatient clinics and to examine the interrelationship between both conditions. Methods: An epidemiological prospective study was carried out during the period 2004-2005 and ...

BACKGROUND The airways of adult or elderly asthmatics are likely candidates for airway remodeling, resulting in persistent airflow obstruction. This population can provide a good model for cross-sectional evaluation of the effect of asthma duration on airflow. METHODS We evaluated postbronchodilator airflow and lung volumes at baseline and after a short course of oral prednisone in a group of...

Increased tumour necrosis factor-α levels have been observed in bronchial biopsies and induced sputum from subjects with severe asthma. We investigated etanercept (ETN) as a therapeutic option for treating moderate-to-severe persistent asthma. In this 12-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial, subjects (n=132) with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma received subcuta...

The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program recently published updated guidelines that stress the importance of peak flow monitoring for patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma. In this specific patient population, a peak flowmeter provides a simple, quantitative, objective measurement of large airway function. The purpose of this article is to describe indications for peak ...

Serum from children with chronic persistent asthma was subjected to C. pneumoniae IgG antibody determination. C. pneumoniae IgG serology suggestive of persistent infection was significantly higher in chronic persistent asthma group than in the control group. Seropositivity was significantly more in moderate and severe persistent groups than in the control subjects. There was no evidence of acut...

BACKGROUND Information is limited regarding adherence to the asthma guidelines in Asia, especially for children. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to estimate adherence to the asthma guidelines, and investigate reasons for nonadherence. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey on the primary care pediatricians practicing in Incheon, Korea. RESULTS Surveys were returned...

BACKGROUND The strong interactions between asthma and rhinitis, and the influence of rhinitis in the severity and/or control of asthma, have clearly been demonstrated. Nevertheless, no specific study has been conducted in the occupational setting. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the severity of occupational asthma and rhinitis and evaluate whether rhinitis is a predictor for incr...