OBJECTIVES

To determine the oxidant - antioxidant imbalance in asthmatic children, by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidant marker of lipid peroxidation as well as antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, vitamin E and uric acid and to investigate whether their concentrations are associated with more severe asthma.

METHODS

This case controlled prospective study was conducted on 219 children aged 1-12 years, attending Basra Maternity and Children Hospital. Included were 98 asthmatic children during acute attack and 121 nonasthmatic, apparently healthy children. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidant marker of lipid peroxidation, and vitamin C, vitamin E and uric acid (as antioxidants) were estimated in asthmatic children during acute attack and compared with non-asthmatic children.

RESULTS

Asthmatic children during exacerbation of their asthma have significant lower serum levels of antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, vitamin E and uric acid (p < 0.001) and significantly high malondialdehyde as compared with the controls. MDA was significantly elevated (P < 0.001), while that of vitamin C, vitamin E and uric acid were significantly decreased with increasing severity of asthmatic attack (P < 0.001). A significant negative correlation between MDA with vitamin C (P < 0.05, r = - 0.44) was observed in severe asthmatic attacks.

CONCLUSION

Asthmatic patients during acute attack suffer a high degree of reactive oxygen species formation causing considerable oxidative stress that is indicated by the high level of oxidants (MDA) and low level of antioxidants.