Method of Acute Respiratory Infections Prevention in Children with Congenital Heart Diseases

Abstract

Aim: to study the efficacy and safety of liposomal recombinant interferon alpha-2β in the prevention of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Materials and Methods. In the pre-epidemic period of ARI 31 children 3–12 years old with congenital heart disease (study group) were evaluated the efficacy of a prevention program with liposomal recombinant interferon alpha-2β: 250,000 IU 1 time per day 2 times a week for 1 month (method I). Due to lack of efficacy, later prevention was continued by method II: 250,000 IU 2 times a day for 3 days, then 250,000 IU once a day, 2 times a week for one month. Clinical and laboratory examination (including assessment of the level of lysozyme, lactoferrin and secretory immunoglobulin A) was performed before the preventive effects, on the 30th, 120th, 180th day. Satisfaction with the results of prevention, side effects were assessed. The control group included 20 healthy peers. Results. Initially children with congenital heart disease showed a reduction in oropharyngeal secretions of lysozyme, lactoferrin and secretory immunoglobulin A levels. After a prevention program by method I, we have stated a decrease in the incidence, duration and complications of ARI. Prevention program by method II showed greater efficiency on the above parameters. All children tolerated preventive treatment well, side effects were not deceted. Conclusions. There was a reduction of local immunity parameters in children with congenital heart disease, which increases the risk of ARI morbidity. High efficiency and safety of liposomal recombinant interferon alpha-2β are the basis for its use in children to prevent ARI.

Keywords

• children
• congenital heart diseases
• local immunity.