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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
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Reflex apnoea response and inflammatory mediators in infants with respiratory tract infection

C Lindgren1, J Grögaard

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Aker University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|July 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection showed a stronger reflex apnea response. Interleukin-1 beta levels correlated with apnea duration and clinical severity in these infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Neonatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Apnea is a concern in infants, particularly those with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.
  • Understanding apnea triggers and physiological responses is crucial for infant health.
  • Apparent life-threatening events (ALTE) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) necessitate research into infant respiratory control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the reflex apnea response to water stimulation in infants with RSV infection versus non-infected infants.
  • To investigate the correlation between interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and apnea duration in RSV-infected infants.
  • To explore the relationship between clinical severity, IL-1 beta concentrations, and apnea in RSV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated reflex apnea response to water stimulation in infants with RSV infection.
  • Compared apnea response in RSV-infected infants with non-infected infants experiencing ALTE or with SIDS siblings.
  • Measured pharyngeal interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations.

Main Results:

  • RSV-infected infants exhibited a significantly reinforced reflex apnea response compared to non-infected controls (p < 0.05).
  • A significant negative correlation was found between IL-1 beta concentration and apnea duration (p < 0.01).
  • High IL-1 beta concentrations (> 5,000 pg/mL) were associated with increased clinical severity; no correlation was observed with IL-6.

Conclusions:

  • The enhanced reflex apnea response in RSV infection may explain apnea as a presenting symptom.
  • Findings suggest a potential role for IL-1 beta in the apnea response during RSV infection.
  • This research may offer insights into the preceding respiratory symptoms observed in some SIDS cases.

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