Estimation of'Tnn or Necrosis Factor Alpha ( TNF- ALPHA) In Sera of Asthmatic Children and Its Correlation to Their Pulmonary Functions.

Abstract

Asthma is the most common chronic illness in childhood. Increases in prevalence and in mortality and morbidity rates have been observed within the past 2 decades. Although the factors that have contributed to this observed increase are not completely apparent, it has become apparent that even when asymptomatic, many asthmatics have abnormal airway function and a degree of airways inflammation- Moreover, the presence of inflammatory cells, particularly T cells and eosinophils, within the lungs of asthmatic individuals is coordinated by the release of cytokines. These small glucosylated protein has been shown to play a pivotal role in airways inflammation in asthma.

In this study, 63 asthmatic children were studied during their attendance in the out patient Pediatric chest clinic of Ain Shams University Hospital for follow up. Their ages ranged from 8-16 years with mean value of 11.2±2.22 years. Age and sex matched 15 children were selected as controls.

The asthmatic group was subdivided into 3 subgroups according to the clinical severity grading into mild ( 23 cases ), moderate ( 25 cases) and severe ( 15 cases) subgroups.

39 asthmatic patients of the studied children were on inhaled steroid therapy in the form of beclomethasone dipropionate ( BDP ) ( Becotide ) with dose ranged from 150- 800 ug/day with mean value of 385.8±160.9 ug/day and duration ranged from 3-10 months with mean value of 7.12± 1.65 years and the other 24 patients were not on any steroid therapy.