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Nasopharyngeal prostaglandin E(2) in infant bronchiolitis
Kim M Griggs1, Kevin D Forsyth, Dani-Louise Dixon
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
Experimental Lung Research
|November 3, 2011
Summary
Prostaglandin E(2) in infant bronchiolitis airways did not predict disease severity or recurrent wheeze. Further research is needed to determine if Prostaglandin E(2) is a viable therapeutic target for bronchiolitis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
- Immunology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Severe bronchiolitis can lead to recurrent childhood wheeze, with mucosal inflammation and immune activation implicated.
- Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is a potential therapeutic target for bronchiolitis treatment and prevention of airway hyperresponsiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PGE(2) in the airways of infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis.
- To assess the relationship between airway PGE(2) levels and disease severity, clinical course, and long-term outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) were collected from 18 infants within 12 hours of admission.
- Enzyme immunoassays were used to measure PGE(2), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and IL-12, and cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 and 2 activity.
Main Results:
- NPA PGE(2) concentration correlated with preadmission illness duration but not with disease severity, viral cause, or IL-10 levels.
- NPA COX 1 and 2 activity and IL-12 levels were below detection limits.
- Neither NPA PGE(2) nor disease severity predicted the development of recurrent wheeze over 3 years post-bronchiolitis.
Conclusions:
- Nasopharyngeal PGE(2) at hospital admission does not appear to be a direct cause, diagnostic marker for severity, or prognostic indicator for recurrent wheeze in infant bronchiolitis.
- Larger cohort studies are necessary to definitively evaluate PGE(2) as a therapeutic target for bronchiolitis.
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