Small airways in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: the potential role of a multicomponent nutraceutical

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are closely linked. A progression from rhinitis to overt asthma is common. FEF(25-75) is a spirometry parameter that could reflect small airways patency and could reliably predict early bronchial involvement in allergic rhinitis patients. MEF(50) very strongly correlates with FEF(25-75). The aim of this study was to evaluate possible spirometry change in two groups of children suffering from AR over time. The first group took a course of a nutraceutical (Lertal®) before the observation (active group, AG); a second one was considered as control (control group, CG). The children were visited at baseline, at the end of the nutraceutical course, and after 1 year. FEV(1), FVC, and MEF(50) were the primary outcomes. After one year, children in AG had significantly higher MEF(50) than CG children (p=0.009). In conclusion, the present study showed that a course with a multicomponent nutraceutical could prevent the MEF(50) decline in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. (www.actabiomedica.it)