孟鲁司特对儿童哮喘炎症因子的影响

目的探讨孟鲁司特对儿童哮喘炎症因子的影响。方法将80例6～14岁中度哮喘患儿随机分口服孟鲁司特5mg/d、吸入布地奈德200μg/d、孟鲁司特5mg/d口服并吸入布地奈德100μg/d3组,持续治疗12周。于治疗开始和第12周进行临床评估和肺功能检查,同步进行外周血嗜酸性粒细胞(Eos)计数、血及痰液嗜酸性粒细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)、IL5和TNFα水平的检测。结果哮喘患儿治疗后临床和肺功能明显改善;治疗开始患儿血ECP、IL5、TNFα水平和Eos计数均显著高于正常对照组(P均<0.01);血Eos计数与ECP浓度呈显著正相关(P<0.01),血IL5水平与ECP浓度呈显著正相关(P<0.01);治疗后血ECP、IL5、TNFα水平和Eos计数较治疗前明显降低(P<0.01);痰液ECP、TNFα和IL5含量显著低于治疗前(P<0.01)。结论孟鲁司特可抑制哮喘中Eos引起的呼吸道炎症,降低血和痰液ECP、IL5、TNFα水平。抑制效应可能是孟鲁司特抗哮喘呼吸道炎症的重要机制。     

哮喘患儿血浆一氧化氮、环磷酸腺苷/环磷酸鸟苷比值变化的临床意义

目的　研究支气管哮喘患儿血浆一氧化氮 (NO)、环磷酸腺苷 (cAMP) /环磷酸鸟苷 (cGMP)比值变化及其临床意义。方法　采用硝酸还原酶法和放射免疫法测定哮喘患儿 4 0例急性期和缓解期血浆NO3 -/NO2 -、cAMP及cGMP水平与cAMP/cGMP比值变化 ,并设 2 3例健康儿童为对照组。结果　 1.哮喘患儿急性期血浆NO3 -/NO2 -水平显著高于缓解期和对照组 (P均 <0 .0 1)。 2 .哮喘患儿急性期血浆cGMP水平明显高于缓解期 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,显著高于对照组 (P <0 .0 1)。 3.哮喘患儿急性期血浆cAMP明显低于缓解期和对照组 (P均<0 .0 1)。 4 .哮喘患儿急性期cAMP/cGMP比值显著低于缓解期和对照组 (P均 <0 .0 1)。 5 .缓解期血浆NO3 -/NO2 -和cGMP水平下降 ,cAMP水平上升及其cAMP/cGMP比值与对照组相比 ,差异无显著性 (P均 >0 .0 5 )。6 .哮喘患儿急性期血浆NO3 -/NO2 -与cGMP水平呈正相关 (r =0 .4 0 1　P <0 .0 1)。结论　血浆内源性NO、cAMP、cGMP可能参与哮喘的发病机制 ,血浆NO、cAMP/cGMP比值变化可作为监测和指导哮喘患儿疗效和评价哮喘药物疗效的较好生化指标。     

胞浆型磷脂酶A2多态性与儿童支气管哮喘发生及孟鲁司特疗效的相关性

目的 探究胞浆型磷脂酶A2（PLA2G4）基因rs932476位点多态性与儿童支气管哮喘发生及白三烯受体拮抗剂孟鲁司特治疗反应性的相关性。方法 收集支气管哮喘患儿128例为病例组,100例健康儿童为对照组。比较两组儿童PLA2G4基因rs932476位点基因型及等位基因分布。病例组患儿采用常规治疗+孟鲁司特方案治疗2个月。比较病例组患儿治疗前后血清白三烯B4（LTB4）及炎性因子白细胞介素-4（IL-4）、免疫球蛋白E（IgE）和γ-干扰素（IFN-γ）、肺功能和呼出气一氧化氮（FeNO）的水平。结果 PLA2G4基因rs932476位点基因型及等位基因频率在病例组和对照组之间及不同严重程度哮喘组之间的分布差异均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。治疗后AA型患儿总有效率高于GG型,差异有统计学意义。与治疗前相比,治疗后各基因型患儿血清IgE和IL-4水平降低,IFN-γ水平升高（P < 0.05）。治疗后GG型患儿血清IL-4水平高于AA型,IFN-γ的水平低于AA型。治疗后,各基因型患儿的肺功能参数升高,其中AA型患儿显著高于GG型;而FeNO水平治疗后明显下降,其中AA型患儿明显低于GG型。病例组治疗前血清LTB4水平明显高于对照组（P < 0.05）。治疗后病例组血清LTB4水平明显降低（P < 0.05）,其中GG基因型患儿LTB4水平高于AA型（P < 0.05）。结论 PLA2G4基因rs932476位点多态性与儿童支气管哮喘的易感性及病情严重程度无关,但对白三烯受体拮抗剂孟鲁司特的疗效有一定的影响,其机制可能与影响LTB4水平有关。     

哮喘患儿尿中白三烯含量变化及白三烯受体拮抗剂的十预作用

目的 探讨哮喘患儿尿中白三烯水平与哮喘的关系及应用白三烯受体拮抗剂孟鲁司特的影响.方法 选择2007年5月至12月在我院小儿呼吸内科及PICU住院的哮喘急性发作患儿32例,随机分为:(1)病例治疗组16例,接受常规治疗及孟鲁司特治疗;(2)病例对照组16例,接受常规治疗但未接受孟鲁司特治疗.另纳人健康体检儿10例为健康对照组.哮喘患儿于治疗前的急性发作期及治疗后的症状缓解期(哮喘症状消失、肺部听诊啰音消失24 h后)分别留取尿液2ml;健康对照组也于体检时留取尿液2ml.尿液中的白三烯E4(LTE4)采用酶联免疫法检测.结果 (1)哮喘患儿急性发作期尿中LTE4水平均高于症状缓解期,差异有非常显著性(P＜0.01);(2)健康对照组、哮喘症状缓解期的病例治疗组、哮喘症状缓解期的病例对照组尿中LTE4水平分别为(94.25±33.61)ng/L、(131.37±43.03)ng/L、(179.97±53.51)ng/L,,差异有非常显著性(P＜0.01);(3)病例治疗组在治疗后尿中LTE4水平下降值为(205.78±61.07)ng/L;病例对照组下降值为(135.29±41.99)ng/L,差异有非常显著性(P＜0.01).结论 儿童哮喘急性发作时尿中白三烯水平显著增高,哮喘症状缓解时,白三烯水平随之降低,但仍高于健康儿童;白三烯受体拮抗剂能降低白三烯水平,有助于控制哮喘发作.     

孟鲁司特治疗儿童中重度哮喘疗效观察

目的　观察孟鲁司特治疗儿童中重度哮喘的疗效和安全性。方法　将 88例 4～ 14岁哮喘患儿随机分为治疗组和对照组。治疗组在吸入激素的基础上加用孟鲁司特 (商品名 :顺尔宁 ) (4～ 6岁 4mg ,1次 /d ;6～ 14岁 5mg ,1次 /d) ,疗程 6周 ,治疗期间监测最大呼气流量 (PEF)、第 1秒末用力呼气量 (FEV1) ,记录患儿日间哮喘症状评分 ,夜间憋醒次数 ,咳嗽分数 ,吸入 β2 受体激动剂的使用喷数 ,无症状天数及药物副作用。疗程结束时对两组进行临床疗效判定。结果　治疗组肺功能有明显改善 (χ2 =2 5 .14　P <0 .0 1)。日夜间PEF均值治疗 1周后即显著上升 ;治疗后 6周日夜间PEF改善率为 12 .1%和 11.2 % ,对照组为 4 .7%和 5 .9% ,两组比较 ,差异均有显著性 (P <0 .0 5 )。治疗组 β2 爱体激动剂用量减少 5 7.2 % ,无症状天数增加 3d/周。结论　孟鲁司特治疗中重度哮喘起效迅速 ,临床控制率高 ,肺功能改善明显 ,无严重不良反应 ,患儿依从性好     

加味玉屏风散合孟鲁司特钠治疗儿童咳嗽变异哮喘临床观察

目的观察加味玉屏风散合孟鲁司特钠治疗儿童咳嗽变异哮喘的疗效。方法将128例咳嗽变异哮喘患儿按就诊顺序随机分为观察组68例和对照组60例。对照组口服孟鲁司特钠片,观察组在对照组口服孟鲁司特钠片基础上服用加味玉屏风散,用药4周后对两组患儿咳嗽程度、总体治疗效果进行比较,1年后随访两组患儿复发率。结果经治疗4周后,观察组咳嗽程度、总体临床疗效均优于对照组,其差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);1年后随访表明,观察组复发率为14.3%,对照组为43.9%,对照组复发率显著高于观察组(P<0.05)。结论加味玉屏风散联合孟鲁司特钠治疗儿童咳嗽变异哮喘优于单纯口服孟鲁司特钠。     

生长因子β1对儿童哮喘的作用及孟鲁司特钠对其影响

目的 探讨生长因子β1在儿童哮喘中的作用及观察孟鲁司特钠对其的影响。方法 筛选2009年9月-2010年9月我院哮喘专病门诊轻度持续哮喘患儿60例及来院健康体检儿童30例,将哮喘患儿随机分成孟鲁司特钠组和安慰剂对照组;采用双抗夹心酶联免疫吸附试验( ELISA)、RT-PCR技术分别检测治疗前后患儿血浆中TGF-β1水平和外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)中TGF-β1mRNA表达;采用流式细胞技术,检测表达叉状头/翅膀状螺旋转录因子3的CD4T调节细胞(Foxp3+ CD4+ Treg)及各亚型的比例。结果 (1)血浆中TGF-β1水平：治疗前哮喘组[(11.51±1.12) ng/L]明显低于健康对照组[(47.92±1.52) ng/L](q=20.01,P＜0.01);治疗后,孟鲁司特钠组[ (20.03±1.14)ng/L]高于安慰剂组[(12.10±3.91) ng/L]（q=14.62,P＜0.05）,但均值仍低于健康对照组;(2)外周血单个核细胞中TGF-β1 mRNA表达：治疗前哮喘组(0.31 +0.07)明显低于健康对照组(0.61±0.2) (q =8.97,P＜0.05);治疗后,孟鲁司特钠组(0.46±0.13)表达高于安慰剂组(0.32±0.04)（q=8.25,P＜0.05）,但仍低于健康对照组;(3)流式细胞检测结果各组间比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)：哮喘患儿与健康对照组相比,Foxp3+ CD4+ Treg细胞比例增加[(8.30±1.30)％,(6.05±1.80)％];其中CD45 RA+ Foxp3lo比例增高[(4.60±1.04)％,(3.27±1.03)％];CD45 RA - Foxp3h1比例降低[(0.75±0.13)％,(0.93±0.26)％];CD45 RA-Foxp3lo比例两组差异无统计学意义。治疗后,孟鲁司特钠组较安慰剂组,aTreg细胞占Foxp3+ CD4+ Treg比例增加[(1.16±0.24)％,(0.89±0.22)％],差异有统计学意义。结论哮喘儿童体内存在血浆及外周血单个核细胞中TGF-β1表达的降低,可能是导致哮喘发病的重要原因;孟鲁司特钠能有效改善TGF-β1的表达并通过调节Foxp3的表达来发挥治疗作用。     

孟鲁司特对毛细支气管炎患儿白三烯水平的影响

目的 观察孟鲁司特对毛细支气管炎患儿治疗前后血清白三烯B4 及尿白三烯E4 水平的影响。方法 将2014 年6~12 月诊断为毛细支气管炎的患儿75 例随机分为孟鲁司特治疗组(n=38)和对照组(n=37),两组患儿均进行常规综合治疗,治疗组在此基础上加用孟鲁司特片(4 mg),每晚1 次,连续口服7 d;采用ELISA 法检测两组治疗前后血清白三烯B4 及尿白三烯E4 水平,并进行临床疗效分析;采用Pearson 分析对血清白三烯B4 及尿白三烯E4 水平进行相关性分析。结果 治疗后两组患儿血清白三烯B4 及尿白三烯E4 水平比治疗前明显下降(PPPr=0.723,P结论 孟鲁司特治疗毛细支气管炎临床疗效确切,其作用机制与降低毛细支气管炎患儿血清白三烯B4 及尿白三烯E4 水平有关。     

口服孟鲁司特钠对哮喘患儿血清细胞因子水平的影响及疗效观察

目的观察口服孟鲁司特钠对哮喘患儿血清白细胞介素（interleukin,IL）-5、IL-10及肿瘤坏死因子（tumornecrosisfactor,TNF）水平的影响及疗效观察。方法我院儿科门诊就诊急性发作期的180例哮喘患儿随机分为治疗组和对照组。对照组仅常规吸入激素治疗。治疗组在常规吸人激素治疗的琏础上加用盂鲁司特钠片,2～5岁患儿服用孟鲁司特钠咀嚼片4mg,6～14岁患儿服用孟鲁司特钠咀嚼片5mg,1次／d,连用12周。两组患儿均在治疗前和治疗12周后抽取静脉血检测IL-5、IL-10及TNF水平,同时进行日、夜间症状评分。结果两组患儿治疗后日、夜间症状评分均较治疗前显著下降（P〈0．05）,但是治疗组较对照组下降更明显（P〈0．05）;两组患儿治疗后IL-5[（33．4±7．9）pg／mlVS．（21．9±9．4）pg／ml,P〈0．05]和TNF[（7．7±1．1）ng／mlVS．（5．8±0．8）ng／ml,P〈0．05]较治疗前明艟下降,而IL—10[（11．7±2．7）pg／mlVS．（14．7±4．3）pg／ml,P〈0．05]则明显升高（P〈0．05）;而治疗组IL-5和TNF的下降及IL-10的升高水平较对照组更明显（P〈0．05）。结论哮喘患儿口服盂鲁司特钠能明显减轻炎症反应,减少细胞因子IL-5和TNF的合成,显著改善哮喘患儿口、夜症状评分。,     

哮喘患儿应用孟鲁司特后血与尿白三烯变化观察

目的探讨孟鲁司特对哮喘患儿血、尿白三烯的影响。方法选择2007年5至12月在中国医科大学盛京医院小儿呼吸内科病房及PICU住院的哮喘急性中重度发作患儿40例,采用随机数字表法随机分为两组:(1)孟鲁司特组:接受常规治疗及孟鲁司特治疗。(2)常规治疗组:只接受常规治疗。哮喘急性发作治疗前后分别留取血及尿标本,待测白三烯。另取同期儿保体检健康儿童19例作为健康对照组。结果 (1)在哮喘急性发作期,孟鲁司特组与常规治疗组白三烯质量浓度差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);在哮喘症状缓解期,孟鲁司特组白三烯质量浓度明显低于常规治疗组(P<0.01);两组白三烯水平下降值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(2)健康对照组血白三烯C4(LTC4)为(105.87±17.38)ng/L,尿白三烯E4(LTE4)为(91.76±33.73)ng/L;在哮喘症状缓解期,孟鲁司特组血LTC4(152.74±31.50)ng/L,尿LTE4(129.35±42.76)ng/L;常规治疗组患儿血LTC4(188.95±39.31)ng/L,尿LTE4(170.67±52.86)ng/L。3组血与尿白三烯质量浓度差异均有统计学意义(P<0...     

Suppression of plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 following montelukast treatment in childhood asthma

BACKGROUND: Montelukast and ketotifen are commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medications used in the treatment of childhood asthma. METHODS: To investigate the modulation effect of montelukast and ketotifen, the levels of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were analyzed in a group of 30 children with mild persistent asthma. RESULTS: Patients on montelukast therapy for 8 weeks had significantly decreased levels of eNO and plasma MMP-9, which were associated with improved symptoms and enhanced peak expiratory flow but not significantly associated with increased level of tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). In contrast, treatment with ketotifen produced no significant changes in these parameters until 4-6 weeks into the therapy and no effect on plasma MMP-9. CONCLUSION: Leukotriene antagonists, such as montelukast, may be better non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for preventing airway inflammation in mild childhood asthma.     

轻度持续性支气管哮喘患儿单用孟鲁司特的疗效

目的评估在实际生活条件影响下轻度持续性支气管哮喘(哮喘)患儿单独使用孟鲁司特进行控制治疗的效果。方法选取2～14岁在社区进行治疗的轻度持续哮喘患儿,进行前瞻性、单组、非盲观察性研究。孟鲁司特每天1次,2～5岁年龄组每次4 mg,6～14岁年龄组每次5 mg,持续12周,患儿通过监护人员给药,采取门诊复诊、随访的方式进行治疗及评估。分别在研究的0、4、8、12周,对过去7 d的日间症状、夜间症状进行严重程度评分,对峰值流速(PEF)、短效β2受体激动剂使用量进行检测和记录。采用SPSS 16.0统计软件进行统计分析。结果 2个年龄组日间症状、夜间症状严重程度评分在各随访时间点的评分逐步降低,各相邻时间点均数差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);短期使用短效β2受体激动剂的量明显下降,从第0周到第4周观察到显著的减少量(P<0.05);PEF不断改善,终点观察值(第12周)与起始值(第0周)比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论对轻度持续哮喘患儿在社区实际生活条件影响下单用孟鲁司特仍可以有效控制哮喘症状的发作。     

A randomized controlled trial on the effect of montelukast on sputum eosinophil cationic protein in children with corticosteroid-dependent asthma

Previous adult studies demonstrated the clinical efficacy of an additional treatment with leukotriene receptor antagonists on steroid-dependent asthma, but there is little knowledge about anti-inflammatory add-on effects within the lung. In this study, we hypothesized that steroid-treated children exhibit a decrease in bronchial inflammation in induced sputum under additional treatment with montelukast. Twenty-five asthmatic children aged 6 to 14 y, who had been taking inhaled corticosteroids (400-800 microg/d budesonide) regularly for at least 12 wk, were randomized to receive additional treatment with either montelukast (5 mg orally, once daily) or placebo over a 4-wk period. As primary efficacy variable, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in induced sputum as direct measurement of bronchial inflammation was assessed before and after treatment. To assure a baseline level of inflammation, an ECP concentration above 100 microg/L was required. Sputum eosinophil count, concentration of exhaled nitric oxide, urinary excretion of eosinophil protein X, and quality-of-life items were considered as secondary outcome variables. After treatment with montelukast, ECP in sputum was significantly reduced (montelukast: median -975 microg/L [5 to 95% confidence interval: -4295 to 583 microg/L]; placebo: 561 microg/L [-1335 to 3320 microg/L]; p < 0.01) and the quality-of-life score had significantly improved (p < 0.05) compared with placebo. Partly explained by low baseline levels, no statistically significant change in concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (p > 0.05), urinary excretion of eosinophil protein X (p > 0.05), or eosinophil count (p > 0.05) was found. In conclusion, add-on treatment with montelukast can suppress sputum ECP in children with steroid-dependent asthma, while at the same time an improvement in quality of life items occurs.     

Effect of montelukast on exhaled NO in asthmatic children exposed to relevant allergens

The level of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is increased in house dust mite (HDM)-sensitized asthmatic children after exposure to HDM antigen, and inhaled steroids can prevent this increase. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether montelukast could prevent an increase in FENO levels in allergic asthmatic children after a brief period of exposure to relevant allergens. Sixteen children were evaluated at the residential house 'Istituto Pio XII' (Misurina, Bellunio, Italy) in the Italian Alps, a dust mite-free environment. FENO levels were evaluated before ( t ₀) and immediately after ( t ₁) the children were exposed to HDM allergens for 2 weeks in their homes at sea level. No significant difference in FENO was observed in the fluticasone-treated group of children after 2 weeks at sea level. In the group treated with montelukast, an increase in FENO was observed between t ₀ and t ₁, which failed to reach statistical significance. These preliminary data suggest that oral montelukast could be effective in preventing the relapse in airway inflammation in allergic asthmatic children who are occasionally exposed to relevant allergens for a short period of time.     

Effects of montelukast on symptoms and eNO in children with mild to moderate asthma

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a marker reflecting airway inflammation. This study was conducted to investigate whether montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, could be used for the management of asthma and how fast the montelukast sodium decreased airway inflammation as demonstrated by eNO levels. METHODS: Twenty children aged 6-14 years (mean age: 9.2 +/- 2.4 years; mean weight 30 +/- 4.6 kg) with mild to moderate asthma were recruited for the study. They received montelukast plus an inhaled short-acting beta2 agonist as open and uncontrolled therapy. Asthma score (AS) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and eNO concentrations were measured at pretreatment (0 week) and post-treatment (1 and 2 weeks) as well as 2 weeks after withdrawal of therapy. RESULTS: In one week, the eNO levels (33.3 +/- 15.5 p.p.b. vs 14.8 +/- 8.6 p.p.b.; P < 0.05), and AS (4.2 +/- 1.3 vs 1.8 +/- 1.3; P < 0.05) decreased rapidly, and PEFR (206.9 +/- 69.7 L/min vs 236.2 +/- 69.8 L/min; P < 0.05) increased. Concurrent beta2 agonist use decreased from a mean +/- SD of 2.2 +/- 0.4-1.3 +/- 0.3 puffs per weeks (P < 0.05). After the withdrawal of treatment for 2 weeks, the eNO levels (29.2 +/- 16.1 p.p.b) rebounded again, although the improvements in AS (1.1 +/- 1.3) and PEFR (245.0 +/- 91.3 L/min) persisted. CONCLUSION: Oral montelukast sodium treatment of these children with mild to moderate asthma effectively improved asthmatic symptoms and suppressed airway inflammation in 1 week, suggesting that this leukotriene antagonist combined with short-acting beta2 agonists may provide effective treatment option in mild to moderate childhood asthma. Larger, controlled, and double-blinded studies are needed to confirm these preliminary open uncontrolled observations.     

支气管哮喘儿童尿白三烯E_4检测的临床意义

目的半胱氨酰白三烯(CysLTs)是参与哮喘气道炎症与重塑的重要介质,通过检测尿白三烯E4(LTE4)可以反映人体CysLTs的水平。该研究旨在探讨尿LTE4测定在儿童支气管哮喘中的临床意义。方法将60例哮喘急性发作儿童随机分成孟鲁司特治疗组和常规治疗组,每组各30例。采用竞争性酶联免疫吸附试验技术(ELISA)检测急性期和缓解期患儿尿LTE4水平,并测定气道阻力值(Rint)。同时选择20例健康儿童作为对照组。结果哮喘儿童急性期、缓解期尿LTE4水平均明显高于对照组儿童,差异有显著性(均P<0.01)。缓解期哮喘儿童尿LTE4较急性期下降,差异有显著性(P<0.01),且孟鲁司特治疗组儿童尿LTE4下降值明显高于常规治疗组,差异有显著性(P<0.01)。急性期哮喘儿童尿LTE4水平与Rint无相关性(P>0.05)。结论急性期哮喘儿童尿LTE4水平明显升高;检测哮喘儿童尿中LTE4水平可以为哮喘的临床诊断和治疗监测提供依据。     

支气管哮喘儿童尿白三烯E4检测的临床意义

目的:半胱氨酰白三烯（CysLTs）是参与哮喘气道炎症与重塑的重要介质,通过检测尿白三烯E4（LTE4）可以反映人体CysLTs的水平。该研究旨在探讨尿LTE4测定在儿童支气管哮喘中的临床意义。方法:将60例哮喘急性发作儿童随机分成孟鲁司特治疗组和常规治疗组,每组各30例。采用竞争性酶联免疫吸附试验技术（ELISA）检测急性期和缓解期患儿尿LTE4 水平,并测定气道阻力值(Rint)。同时选择20例健康儿童作为对照组。结果:哮喘儿童急性期、缓解期尿LTE4水平均明显高于对照组儿童,差异有显著性(均P0.05)。结论:急性期哮喘儿童尿LTE4水平明显升高;检测哮喘儿童尿中LTE4水平可以为哮喘的临床诊断和治疗监测提供依据。［中国当代儿科杂志,2009,11（11）：909-912］     

Montelukast decreased exhaled nitric oxide in children with perennial allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: Measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) is a simple and noninvasive method for assessment of inflammatory airway diseases. eNO is elevated in adolescent patients with perennial allergic rhinitis and related to bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The aim of this study was to investigate whether oral loratadine, montelukast, nasal budesonide or nasal sodium cromoglycate could reduce airway inflammation as indicated by decrease of eNO in children with perennial allergic rhinitis as demonstrated by eNO levels. METHODS: A randomized and investigator-blinded study was conducted in a hospital-based outpatient clinic. Children with perennial allergic rhinitis were divided into four groups and treated by loratadine, loratadine with nasal sodium cromoglycate, loratadine with oral montelukast, and loratadine with nasal budesonide, respectively. Allergic rhinitis scores, eNO and peak expiratory flow were measured before and 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Results showed that eNO in children with perennial allergic rhinitis was reduced by nasal budesonide and oral montelukast within 2 weeks (24.56 +/- 14.42 vs 18.42 +/- 12.48, P < 0.001, in budesonide group; 27.81 +/- 13.4 vs 19.09 +/- 10.45, P < 0.001, in montelukast group), but not in the loratadine and cromoglycate groups. In contrast, loratadine or sodium cromoglycate also did not decrease eNO levels although they could decrease the symptom scores. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that four common treatment modalities could effectively release symptom scores, but decrease of airway inflammation as determined by decrease of eNO might be only achieved by nasal budesonide and montelukast, but not nasal sodium cromoglycate and loratadine. Children with perennial allergic rhinitis with high eNO levels may require oral montelukast or nasal budesonide treatment to prevent airway hyperresponsiveness.