Deficiency of interferon production in children with recurrent respiratory diseases.

In 50 children followed-up for frequent and repeated respiratory diseases, IFN-alpha production was examined. The ability to produce IFN-alpha correlated with the clinical situation of the children. It was low in children constantly ill and better or even normal in children whose health substantially improved or who were without symptoms during the last two years. The influencing of IFN-alpha production probably could have a favourable effect also on the clinical development of the disease.