Review of the literature: integrating psychoneuroimmunology into pediatric chronic illness interventions.
OBJECTIVE
Provide an orientation to psychoneuroimmunology, a rationale for including assessments of immune function in intervention studies of pediatric chronic illness, review the current literature, and provide recommendations for future research.


METHODS
Using electronic searches and previous reviews, selected and reviewed published studies in which immunological changes related to psychological interventions were assessed in pediatric samples.


RESULTS
Eight studies were identified and included in the review. These utilized a range of interventions (e.g., disclosure and hypnosis) and included a variety of pediatric samples (e.g., those with asthma, HIV infection, or lupus).


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that psychological intervention can influence immune function in pediatric samples. Recommendations for advancing our knowledge by studying populations for whom the immune system plays an active role in disease pathophysiology, measuring disease-relevant immune mediators, studying pediatric patients under times of stress, and focusing on interventions aimed at altering the stress system are provided.
Nassau
Jack H
JH
Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center, CORO Center West - Suite 204, 1 Hoppin Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA. jack_nassau@brown.edu
Tien
Karen
K
Fritz
Gregory K
GK
D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010372:Pediatrics; D011598:Psychoneuroimmunology / Q000379:methods*