THE CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CYTOKINE STATUS OF BLOOD SERUM IN VIRAL MENINGITIS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

The determination of cytokines in blood serum in 450 patients under the age of 14 years old with viral meningitis (VM) of different etiologies. In severe forms of VM the increase in IL-1b,IL-6, IL-8, TNF-a and decreased concentration of IL-2, INF-a, INF-g, compared to the level of the relevant indicators in the diseases of moderate severity and the norm. The revealed changes in cytokine regulation persisted into the period of convalescence, accompanied by stimulation of INF-a, INF-g and suppression of IL-2. Patients with a prolonged course of VM, a reduction in IL-8, INF-a, IL-1b and increase of INF-a and INF-g in serum, which may indicate a slow regression of the inflammatory process. Patients with fatal outcome was determined a significantly higher level of IL-6, INF-g in comparison with similar indicators of a severe form of VM, but with a favorable outcome. The settings in the content of cytokines in blood serum can be used in clinical practice to predict the course and outcomes of VM in children.

Keywords

• viral meningitis
• children
• cytokine status of blood