RESUMO
To determine the oxidant - antioxidant imbalance in asthmatic children, by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde [MDA] as an oxidant marker of lipid peroxidation as well as antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, vitamin E and uric acid and to investigate whether their concentrations are associated with more severe asthma. This case controlled prospective study was conducted on 219 children aged 1-12 years, attending Basra Maternity and Children Hospital. Included were 98 asthmatic children during acute attack and 121 non-asthmatic, apparently healthy children. Serum malondialdehyde [MDA] as an oxidant marker of lipid peroxidation, and vitamin C, vitamin E and uric acid [as antioxidants] were estimated in asthmatic children during acute attack-and compared with non-asthmatic children. Asthmatic children during exacerbation of their asthma have significant lower serum levels of antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, vitamin E and uric acid [p<0.001] and significantly high malondialdehyde as compared with the controls. MDA was significantly elevated [P< 0.001], while that of vitamin C, vitamin E and uric acid were significantly decreased with increasing severity of asthmatic attack [P<0.001]. A significant negative correlation between MDA with vitamin C [P<0.05, r = - 0.44] was observed in severe asthmatic attacks. Asthmatic patients during acute attack suffer a high degree of reactive oxygen species formation causing considerable oxidative stress that is indicated by the high level of oxidants [MDA] and low level of antioxidants