All issues > Volume 49(7); 2006

Original Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2006;49(7):763-768. Published online July 15, 2006.

The evaluation of risk for aspiration using lipid-laden macrophage index in infants with bronchiolitis

Ji Yeon JY Koh¹, Hee H Kang¹, Ju Young JY Chung¹, Tae Hee TH Han², Chang Keun CK Kim¹

¹Department of Pediatrics and Asthma Allergy Center, Sanggye Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje
²Department of Clinical Pathology, Sanggye Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Inje University, Seoul

Correspondence Chang Keun CK Kim ,Email: kimck@sanggyepaik.ac.kr

Abstract

Purpose
: We investigated the risk of aspiration using the lipid-laden macrophage index(LLMI) from laryngeal lavages in infants with bronchiolitis.
Methods
: Laryngeal lavages from 22 infants with acute bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) were evaluated during the acute stage. Repeat studies were performed at 3 to 4 weeks after the initial study(remission stage). Lavage cell counts and differentials were determined. The amount of lipid per single macrophage was evaluated and the LLMI was determined by evaluating 100 cells. Comparisons between acute stage and remission stage were made. Twenty-four hour pH monitoring(pHm) was performed in 12 patients.
Results
: The total cell number was significantly higher in the acute stage compared with the remission stage(P<0.05). The LLMIs in the acute stage were significantly higher than those in the remission stage(P<0.05). The neutrophils percentage of laryngeal lavage correlated with the LLMI(r= 0.69, P<0.001). Four children had positive pHm recordings(pH-positive infants) and eight had negative pHm recordings(pH-negative infants). The pH-positive infants had higher LLMI and higher neutrophils percentage than those of the pH-negative infants(P<0.05).
Conclusion
: These findings suggest that there is a transient increased risk of aspiration during bronchiolitis. The LLMI from laryngeal lavage may be a useful marker for pulmonary aspiration in infants with bronchiolitis.

Keywords :Bronchiolitis , Lipid-laden macrophage , Laryngeal lavage , Aspiration