Complement components (C3, C4) as inflammatory markers in asthma.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the serum levels of complement factors C3 and C4 in Egyptian asthmatic children.

METHODS

This case-controlled study comprised of 60 Egyptian children with the diagnosis of bronchial asthma (not in acute attack) and 60 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. All candidates were subjected to a thorough clinical study, complete blood counts, absolute eosinophil count and serum complements (C3, C4).

RESULTS

Serum C3 was significantly higher in asthmatics when compared to controls (140.60 +/- 38.80 mg/dl vs 107.70 +/- 45.00 mg/dl respectively, (p = 0.01). However, differences in serum C4 levels were not significant (41.30+/-48.80 mg/dl vs 44.60 +/- 39.70 mg/dl respectively, p = 0.69). There was a significant positive correlation between severity of asthma and serum C3 (p=0.02) but not with serum C4.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum levels of C3 - but not C4 - are elevated in children with stable asthma, with a positive correlation between serum C3 and severity of asthma.