RESUMO
Objective. To assess the serum levels of complement factors C3 and C4 in Egyptian asthmatic children. Methods. This case-controlled study comprised of 60 Egyptian children with the diagnosis of bronchial asthma (not in acute attack) and 60 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. All candidates were subjected to a thorough clinical study, complete blood counts, absolute eosinophil count and serum complements (C3, C4). Results. Serum C3 was significantly higher in asthmatics when compared to controls (140.60 ± 38.80 mg/dl vs 107.70 ± 45.00 mg/dl respectively, (p = 0.01). However, differences in serum C4 levels were not significant (41.30±48.80 mg/dl vs 44.60 ± 39.70 mg/dl respectively, p = 0.69). There was a significant positive correlation between severity of asthma and serum C3 (p=0.02) but not with serum C4. Conclusions. Serum levels of C3 - but not C4 - are elevated in children with stable asthma, with a positive correlation between serum C3 and severity of asthma.