[Interleukin 13 and 18 serum concentration in children with cow milk hypersensitivity].
The aim of the study was the estimation of IL-13 and IL-18 concentration in serum of children with cow milk hypersensitivity and estimation of its usefulness in clinical practice.


METHODS
30 children (14 boys, 16 girls) at the age 6-24 months, average 10.5 months. The children were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 18 children with elevated total IgE, group II, 12 children with normal IgE. In all children with suspected cow milk hypersensitivity, a diet based on strong milk hydrolysates or soy-milk formulas was advised. In 10 children IL-13 and IL-18 were examined three times: at the moment of diagnosis and after 3 and 6 months of dietary treatment. In 20 children IL-13 and IL-18 were estimated twice. Total IgE and specific IgE were performed by HYTER 288; IL-13 and IL-18 were measured by Bender Med System. The results were analysed statistically.


RESULTS
in children with elevated IgE statistically significant higher IL-13 concentration was found and the mean IL-18 concentration in this group was lower but the difference was not statistically significant. We confirmed a positive correlation between elevated IgE and IL-13 concentration and a negative correlation between IgE and IL-18 before introducing the diet. In children with clinical improvement there was a nonsignificant decrease of IL-13 and increase of IL-18 concentration after diet introduction. In the group without clinical improvement, high IL-13 and low IL-18 concentration during diet were observed (p < 0,01). Highly positive correlation between serum IL-18 after 3 months of elimination diet and clinical improvement was observed. Highly negative correlation between mean IL-13 concentration after 6 months of diet and the clinical condition were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The correlation between IL-13 concentration and elevated IgE, indicates a connection of this cytokine with atopy. Negative correlation between IL-18 concentration and elevated IgE suggests a possibility of inhibiting IgE synthesis by this cytokine. A strong correlation between IL-18 concentration and clinical improvement after 3 months of elimination diet may imply a reduction of the allergic process. High negative correlation between IL-13 concentration and clinical improvement after 6 months of elimination diet may indicate a prolongation of the allergic process.
Bała
Grazyna
G
Katedra i Klinika Pediatrii, Alergologii i Gastroenterologii, Akademia Medyczna im. L. Rydygiera, Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland. klped@amb.bydgoszcz.pl
Swincow
Grazyna
G
Odrowaz-Sypniewska
Grazyna
G
Czerwionka-Szaflarska
Mieczysława
M
D000818:Animals; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018793:Interleukin-13 / Q000097:blood*; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D016269:Milk Hypersensitivity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018793:Interleukin-13; D020382:Interleukin-18