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Plasma beta-endorphin levels and childhood intussusception
S P Ros1, S L Reynolds, D M Bhisitkul
1Department of Pediatrics, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois 60153.
Insights
Childhood intestinal intussusception is not linked to higher plasma beta-endorphin levels. This study found no significant difference in beta-endorphin levels between children with and without intussusception.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intestinal intussusception is a common pediatric surgical emergency.
- The role of endogenous opioids, such as beta-endorphin, in intussusception is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma beta-endorphin levels and childhood intestinal intussusception.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 14 pediatric patients presenting with intussusception symptoms.
- Plasma beta-endorphin levels measured by radioimmunoassay.
- Diagnosis confirmed or excluded by barium enema.
Main Results:
- Mean beta-endorphin level in 8 patients with intussusception was 14.1 pg/ml.
- Mean beta-endorphin level in 5 patients without intussusception was 18.1 pg/ml.
- No statistically significant difference in beta-endorphin levels was observed (P = 0.56).
Conclusions:
- Childhood intestinal intussusception is not associated with elevated plasma beta-endorphin levels.
- Plasma beta-endorphin levels do not appear to be a reliable biomarker for diagnosing intussusception in children.
Abstract:
To determine whether childhood intestinal intussusception is associated with elevated plasma beta-endorphin levels, a series of patients was studied prospectively. Fourteen patients (age range between 3 months and 7 years) presented to two university pediatric emergency departments in Chicago with clinical symptoms and signs of intussusception. Venous blood (2cc) was withdrawn for plasma beta-endorphin determination, followed by barium enema. Plasma beta-endorphin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The mean beta-endorphin level of the 8 patients with barium enema proven intussusception was 14.1 +/- 12.0 pg/ml. Two of these patients presented with marked lethargy and had beta-endorphin levels of 7.5 and 21.2 pg/ml. The mean plasma beta-endorphin level of the 5 patients with negative barium enema studies was 18.1 +/- 10.0 pg/ml (P = 0.56). A sixth control patient had a plasma beta-endorphin level of 1569 pg/ml. In conclusion, childhood intestinal intussusception is not associated with elevated plasma beta-endorphin levels.