Clinical characteristics of interferon-gamma-inducible protein of 10 kDa in children with wheezing

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Recent studies have shown that interferon-gamma-inducible protein of 10 kDa (IP-10/CXCL10) levels is increased in acute bronchiolitis and asthma. The aim of this study was to examine the levels of IP-10 in children with wheezing and whether it correlates with other clinical variables. METHODS: A total of 62 subjects children were hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infection with wheezing and visited the Emergency Department due to an acute exacerbation of asthma. IP-10 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the serum collected at admission. Serum IP-10 levels were evaluated for the relationships with age, sex, blood eosinophils counts, acute phase reactant, allergic sensitization, history of wheezing, and chest X-ray findings. RESULTS: Age showed a significant negative correlation with serum IP-10 levels (P=0.002). The serum levels of IP-10 were also significantly increased in patients with pneumonic infiltration on X-rays compared to those with normal or hyperinflation (P<0.009). There was no significant difference in the serum IP-10 level according to the other factors, including allergic sensitization. CONCLUSION: Serum IP-10 is significantly associated with inflammation of the lung and age, but not with allergic inflammation.