RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The present study assesses the immune response in children with viral-induced wheezing by examining the two factors-interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and periostin in serum and nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA). The aim was to find a pattern with the severity and frequency of wheezing episodes. METHODS: Sixty-nine infants (40 boys and 29 girls), with a mean age of 11.4±6 (2 - 23) months, hospitalized with a first or recurrent episode of bronchial obstruction were enrolled in this study. The serum and NPA concentrations of IFN-γ and periostin were assessed by ELISA methodology. Fifty of the children (72%) were followed for 2 years. RESULTS: We detected lower NPA IFN-γ production in boys, infants with atopic status, family history of asthma, and respiratory syncytial virus infection. Recurrent wheezing in children was associated with a twice lower concentration of IFN-γ in NPA compared to those with the first episode (7.1 vs. 14.8 pg/ml, p=0.05). Higher serum periostin level was established in children over 12 mo in the group of recurrent wheezers with persistent manifestations compared to those without symptoms during the follow-up (410.5 vs. 269.7 ng/ml, p = 0.03). Multivariate logistical regression model assessed high level of serum periostin, male gender, atopy, family history of asthma, and severity of the attack as significant risk factors for persistent compared to intermittent wheezing (r < sup > 2 < /sup > = 0.87, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that recurrent viral-induced wheezing is associated with decreased IFN-γ production and increased periostin response and their correlation with severity and persistence of symptoms were the main outcome measures.
Asunto(s)
Asma , Infecciones por Virus Sincitial Respiratorio , Niño , Femenino , Lactante , Humanos , Masculino , Preescolar , Adolescente , Interferón gamma , Ruidos Respiratorios/etiología , Estudios de Seguimiento , Infecciones por Virus Sincitial Respiratorio/complicaciones , Asma/complicacionesRESUMEN
Although nebulized corticosteroids (NebCSs) are a key treatment option for young children with asthma or viral-induced wheezing (VIW), there are no uniform recommendations on their best use. This systematic review aimed to clarify the role of NebCSs in children 5 years or younger for the management of acute asthma exacerbations, asthma maintenance therapy, and the treatment of VIW. Electronic databases were used to identify relevant English language articles with no date restrictions. Studies reporting efficacy data in children 5 years or younger, with a double-blind, placebo- or open-controlled, randomized design, and inclusion of 40 or more participants (no lower patient limit for VIW) were included. Ten articles on asthma exacerbation, 9 on asthma maintenance, and 7 on VIW were identified. Results showed NebCSs to be at least as efficacious as oral corticosteroids in the emergency room for the management of mild to moderate asthma exacerbations. In asthma maintenance, nebulized budesonide, the agent of focus in all trials analyzed, significantly reduced the risk of further asthma exacerbations compared with placebo, cromolyn sodium, and montelukast. Intermittent NebCS treatment of VIW was as effective as continuous daily treatment. In summary, NebCSs are effective and well tolerated in patients 5 years or younger for the management of acute and chronic asthma.
Asunto(s)
Antiasmáticos , Asma , Administración por Inhalación , Corticoesteroides/uso terapéutico , Antiasmáticos/uso terapéutico , Asma/tratamiento farmacológico , Asma/epidemiología , Budesonida/uso terapéutico , Niño , Preescolar , Humanos , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como Asunto , Ruidos RespiratoriosRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: We performed a real-life clinical study to identify the main indications for the prescription of short-course treatment with systemic glucocorticosteroids (GCS) for steroid naive children with acute virus-induced wheezing as well as to analyze the influence of such treatment on patients' serum cortisol level, other blood tests results and the length of stay in the hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 44 patients who had acute wheezing, had no bacterial infection and were otherwise healthy were analyzed: 26 children received treatment with GCS and 18 children did not. Full blood count, biochemistry tests (Na, K, glucose) and blood cortisol levels of all patients were analyzed during treatment. RESULTS: The main indications for the short-term administration of systemic GCS were increased work of breathing, recurrent wheezing, clinical signs of atopy and a family history of asthma. Systemic GCS increased a sodium concentration (p = 0.014), decreased a cortisol level (p = 0.038), leukocyte (p = 0.043), neutrophil (p = 0.045), and eosinophil (p < 0.001) count in blood serum. The major reduction in the eosinophil count was observed in allergic children (p = 0.023). Older age was a risk factor for cortisol suppression (p = 0.018). The average length of stay in the hospital was longer in the intervention group (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Even short-course treatment with systemic GCS decreases the serum cortisol level and has a significant effect on other blood tests results. Systemic GCS used for acute virus-induced wheezing treatment did not prove to reduce the average length of stay in the hospital. Objective criteria for initiation of such treatment are still lacking, which might consequently lead to the overuse of corticosteroids.