All issues > Volume 46(8); 2003

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 2003;46(8):763-768. Published online August 15, 2003.

Bronchoalveolar Cellularity and IL-8 Levels in Patients with Post-measles Wheezing

Da Eun DE Jung¹, Byeong Eui BE Kim¹, Ju Young JY Chung¹, Jeong Yeon JY Kim², Sang Hyuk SH Ma³, Chang Keun CK Kim¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea
²Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea
³Department of Pediatrics, Chang won Fatima Hospital, Chang won, Korea

Correspondence Chang Keun CK Kim ,Email: kim.chang@mayo.edu

Abstract

Purpose
: This study was conducted to investigate the pulmonary cellular profiles and IL-8 levels in patients with post-measles wheezing.
Methods
: Twelve previously healthy infants with a minimum of three episodes of wheezing after measles pneumonia(Measles wheezing, median age, 1.3 years) were recruited by a retrospective examination of hospital records. They underwent bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) with flexible bronchoscopy, and high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) with a mean six(1-15) months interval. Comparisons were made with seven normal controls(Control, median age : 7.4 years). BAL cell counts and differentials were determined. IL-8 levels also were measured by ELISA.
Results
: The BAL cellular profiles were characterized by a significantly increased percentage of neutrophils in the Measles wheezing group(median 16.0%) compared to the control group(median 3.8 %)(P<0.01). IL-8 levels were markedly increased in the Measles wheezing group(mean켚D, 512.7?24.0 pg/mL) compared to the control group(41.7?7.7 pg/mL)(P<0.01). Furthermore, IL-8 levels correlated significantly(r=0.816, P=0.001) with neutrophil percentages in BAL fluids in the Measles wheezing group. Abnormal HRCT findings were mosaic perfusion, bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening, and decreased vascularity.
Conclusion
: These results suggest that pulmonary neutrophils and IL-8 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the post-measles wheezing.

Keywords :Measles, Wheezing, Bronchoalveolar lavage, Neutrophils, IL-8