[Analysis of tryptase levels in infants and children with wheezy bronchitis].

UNLABELLED

Wheezy bronchitis is one of hospitalization causes of infants and young children. Significant problem is recurrent wheezing. Wheezy bronchitis can be the first sign of bronchial asthma. New markers are taken into consideration in aspect of recurrent bronchitis prevention. Such marker seems to be tryptase. Tryptase is released from mastocytes in early phase of allergic reaction. The aim of the study was to assess tryptase and ECP concentrations among infants and young children with wheezy bronchitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-four patients with wheezy bronchitis in age from between 1 month to 36 months old were included into the study (47 with the first episode and 47 with at least third episode). Forty-three patients hospitalized due to other causes, from the same age group (these patients haven't already had any wheezy bronchitis) were included into the control group. Among all patients concentrations of tryptase and ECP were evaluated (among patients from the study group in the acute phase of disease) by fluoroimmunoenzymatic method (FEIA) with the the use of UniCAP 100 set (Pharmacia & Upjohn Diagnostics AB).

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences of tryptase concentrations in blood plasma during wheezy bronchitis among infants and young children in correlation to the control group were found. Statistically significant differences were identified in aspect of tryptase concentrations during wheezy bronchitis between patients with the first episode of wheezing and patients with recurrent wheezing and higher concentrations were observed among patients with the first episode. No statistically significant influence of family history of allergy and symptoms of allergy were identified in aspect of tryptase concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Obtained results lead to conclusion that tryptase concentrations have a little significance in wheezy bronchitis.