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Recurrent respiratory infections and phagocytosis in childhood

Massimiliano Don1, Lolita Fasoli, Viviana Gregorutti

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine DPMSC, University of Udine, Udine, Italy. max.don@libero.it

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|January 26, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Phagocytosis (FAG) and reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) production deficiencies in neutrophils may play a role in recurrent respiratory infections (RRI) in children. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in pediatric RRI.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Recurrent respiratory infections (RRI) affect approximately 10% of preschool children.
  • Potential links to environmental and immunological factors are suggested.
  • The study investigates the role of neutrophil function in pediatric RRI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of phagocytosis (FAG) and reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) production deficiencies on pediatric RRI.
  • To measure FAG and ROI activity in polymorphonuclear neutrophils of children with RRI.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed serum immunoglobulins, IgG subclasses, and lymphocytic subpopulations in 90 children with RRI.
  • Measured FAG and ROI tests in children with RRI during well-being and off medication.
  • Included FAG and ROI tests from 19 healthy children as controls.

Main Results:

  • Children with RRI showed significantly decreased FAG and ROI activity compared to controls.
  • No age-related differences in FAG and ROI tests were observed in patients.
  • Low IgA levels were associated with a decreased likelihood of abnormal ROI.

Conclusions:

  • Deficiencies in FAG and ROI of polymorphonuclear neutrophils are suggested as potential etiological factors in pediatric RRI.
  • The findings apply irrespective of patient age.
  • Further studies are required for definitive confirmation.
Abstract

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