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Osteoprotegerin in infection-induced acute inflammatory states in children

Aristeidis Giannakopoulos1, Alexandra Efthymiadou1, Dimitra Kritikou1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School of Patras, University Hospital, Rio, Greece.

Heliyon
|March 21, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels rise in children with bacterial infections, correlating with inflammation markers. However, C-reactive protein (CRP) is more sensitive for detecting bacterial infections than OPG.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Inflammation Biomarkers
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is linked to chronic inflammation, bone turnover, and cardiovascular issues.
  • Its role in acute pediatric infections remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate OPG levels during acute infections in children.
  • To correlate OPG with inflammatory biomarkers like CRP, ESR, and WBC.
  • To compare OPG's sensitivity with CRP in diagnosing bacterial infections.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 59 children with bacterial infections, 20 with viral infections, and 20 healthy controls.
  • Measured serum OPG, CRP, ESR, and WBC levels.
  • Statistical analysis to determine correlations and sensitivity.

Main Results:

  • OPG serum levels were significantly elevated in bacterial infections compared to viral infections and controls (p < 0.001).
  • OPG correlated with CRP, ESR, and WBC in the bacterial infection group.
  • CRP demonstrated higher sensitivity (67.3%) than OPG (38.3%) for bacterial infections.

Conclusions:

  • OPG levels increase differentially in pediatric bacterial infections.
  • OPG shows potential as an inflammatory marker but is less sensitive than CRP.
  • Further research is needed to clarify OPG's role in pediatric inflammatory conditions.
Abstract

Keywords:
Bacterial infectionBiomarkersC-reactive proteinOsteoprotegerinPediatric infections

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