Related Experiment Videos
Clinical value of measuring the interferon-induced enzyme 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in children
H I Huppertz1, K Becker, H W Kreth
1Children's University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany.
Insights
Measuring 2'–5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in children helps identify viral infections but is less effective for distinguishing bacterial causes or managing inflammatory diseases. Low levels can rule out acute viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase is an interferon-induced enzyme.
- It serves as a sensitive indicator for interferon presence.
- Its utility in pediatric inflammatory disorders requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the diagnostic and management value of measuring 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in children with inflammatory disorders.
- To evaluate its effectiveness in differentiating viral from bacterial infections.
- To determine its role in managing inflammatory diseases of unknown origin.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
- Comparison of enzyme levels in children with viral diseases, bacterial diseases, and healthy controls.
- Analysis of enzyme levels in children with autoimmune and idiopathic inflammatory conditions.
Main Results:
- Median 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase values differed between viral, bacterial, and healthy groups, but with significant overlap.
- Elevated levels were observed early in acute viral infections, with low values arguing against them.
- Over one-third of children with bacterial diseases showed elevated levels, hindering differentiation.
- Enzyme levels did not aid in diagnosing or assessing disease activity in idiopathic inflammatory diseases.
Conclusions:
- 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase is a useful early indicator for acute viral infections in children.
- It has limited value in distinguishing between viral and bacterial infections.
- Its measurement does not assist in diagnosing or monitoring pediatric inflammatory diseases of unknown origin.
Abstract:
2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase, an interferon-induced enzyme and a sensitive indicator of the presence of interferon, was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in children with inflammatory disorders of known and unknown origin in order to assess the value of such a test in patient management. Differences in median 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase values in groups of children with viral or bacterial diseases or healthy children were observed. Considerable overlap of the 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase range in the three groups was observed. All children with acute viral infections had increased levels early in their disease and a low value clearly argued against an acute viral infection. However, as more than one-third of children with bacterial diseases displayed elevated 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase concentrations, distinction between a viral and bacterial cause of disease by measuring this enzyme was difficult. Estimation of 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase concentrations in patients with inflammatory diseases of unknown origin, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, idiopathic uveitis and glomerulonephritis did not contribute to establishing a diagnosis or measuring disease activity.