J Korean Pediatr Soc.  2003 Aug;46(8):763-768.

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

• Jung DE
• Kim BE
• Chung JY
• Kim JY
• Ma SH
• Kim CK

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(mean+/-SD, 512.7+/-324.0 pg/mL) compared to the control group(41.7+/-67.7 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.

Keyword

Measles; Wheezing; Bronchoalveolar lavage; Neutrophils; IL-8

MeSH Terms

Bronchiectasis
Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Bronchoscopy
Cell Count
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Hospital Records
Humans
Infant
Interleukin-8*
Measles
Neutrophils
Perfusion
Respiratory Sounds*
Retrospective Studies
Interleukin-8