Ultraviolet Irradiation Units Installed In the Homes of Children With Asthma Reduces Asthma Severity

Abstract

Significant elevation of cytokines including TNFa, IL6 and CRP have been reported in adults with histories of early life trauma. Fewer studies have assessed inflammatory status in children after maltreatment. Standardization of maltreatment case criteria via medical diagnosis and utilization of biorepository samples are innovations in this study. METHODS: Plasma samples were identified from a large pediatric biorepository with linked electronic medical health records. Maltreatment cases (n519) were identified by ICD-code inclusion and exclusion criteria with case validation by expert consensus review. Non-maltreated controls (n557) were identified by application of ICD-code exclusion criteria as well as chart review and were matched by age, sex, race, ethnicity, and community deprivation index (CDI). Serum cytokines were measured simultaneously, in duplicate, using ELLA multiplex fluorometric ELISA technology (IL1b, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10, IL12p70, IFNg and TNFa; Protein Simple, Bio-Techne). hsCRP was measured by absorbance ELISA (R&D Systems, Bio-Techne). Results beyond the limits of quantitation or with CV greater than 20% in duplicate samples were excluded. Statistical analyses included non-parametric Mann-Whitney U tests, linear regression, and factor analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in cytokines in cases versus controls by non-parametric assessment or linear regression of logtransformed cytokines adjusted for age, gender, BMI and CDI (eg hsCRP adjusted-R 2 50.058). Factor analysis supported one factor that was not significantly different between cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, increased inflammation by elevated cytokines was not seen in children with a prior diagnosis of maltreatment. Expansion of the sample size and consideration of prospective data collection is warranted.