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Intravenous Endotoxin Challenge in Healthy Humans: An Experimental Platform to Investigate and Modulate Systemic Inflammation
Published on: May 16, 2016
Endotoxin levels in immunocompromised children with fever
The Journal of Pediatrics
|August 1, 1986
Summary
Unexplained fevers in immunocompromised children may be caused by endotoxemia. This study found elevated endotoxin levels in some children without infection, suggesting endotoxemia as a potential cause of febrile episodes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Febrile episodes without a clear cause are frequent in immunocompromised children.
- Circulating endotoxin, a pyrogen, is a potential contributor to unexplained fevers.
- A sensitive Limulus amebocyte lysate assay with a chromogenic substrate was developed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plasma endotoxin in unexplained febrile episodes in immunocompromised children.
- To establish normal plasma endotoxin levels in children.
Main Methods:
- Plasma endotoxin levels were measured using an enhanced Limulus amebocyte lysate assay.
- Assays were performed on 36 immunocompromised children with fever, including convalescent samples.
- Normal endotoxin levels in healthy children were also determined.
Main Results:
- The upper limit of normal plasma endotoxin level in children was determined to be 35 pg (0.10 EU)/ml.
- Five children (14%) exhibited elevated endotoxin levels during febrile episodes without documented infection or bacteremia.
- Endotoxin levels normalized in these children during convalescence.
Conclusions:
- Endotoxemia is a potential cause or contributing factor for unexplained fevers in immunocompromised children.
- The developed assay provides a sensitive and objective method for endotoxin detection.
- Further research is warranted to understand the clinical implications of endotoxemia in this population.
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