Pattern of Inflammatory Markers in Children with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis

The aim of the study was to estimate whether determination of C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration could be used as an inflammation marker in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Materials and methods: The study included 42 healthy children (mean age 9 +/- 5 years) and 70 pediatric patients during regular control of respiratory allergic diseases, asthma (n=47) and rhinitis (n=23), mean age 7 +/- 4 years. Highsensitive CRP (hsCRP) concentration was determined by immunoturbidimetric method on latex particles. The concentrations of C3, C4 and al pha1antitrypsin were determined by immunoturbidimetric method on an Olympus AU 400 biochemistry analyzer, whereas leukocyte and platelet counts were determined on a Sysmex XT-1800i counter. Results: The concentration of hsCRP was statistically significantly higher in patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis than in healthy children. These patients also had statistically significantly higher levels of C3, C4, al pha1-antitrypsin and leukocyte count as compared with healthy subjects. Platelet count was significantly greater in asthma (but not rhinitis) patients as compared with the group of healthy children. Conclusion: Study results demonstrated that children with respiratory allergic diseases had greater concentrations of hsCRP in serum compared with healthy children.