Serum Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Interleukins in Children with Congenital Heart Disease.

Background

Levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines in blood have a positive relationship with congenital heart disease (CHD). We sought to assess the difference in serum cytokines levels between children with and without CHD.

Methods

We recruited 60 patients with CHD and 30 healthy children, from 2013 to 2014. Patients with primary pulmonary hypertension; metabolic diseases; renal, endocrine, and chronic inflammatory diseases; fever; infection in the preceding 3 weeks; and malnutrition were excluded. Participants' demographic data were measured, and their cardiac diseases were diagnosed via echocardiography. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-18 were measured via ELISA.

Results

Mean age of the participants was 4.28 ± 3.44, 3.12 ± 3.87, and 3.30 ± 3.61 years in the cyanotic, acyanotic, and control groups, respectively (p value = 0.414). Mean values of TNF-α (p value < 0.001), IL-6 (p value < 0.001), IL-18 (p value = 0.030), right ventricular pressure (p value < 0.001), and pulmonary pressure (p value = 0.015) were higher in the case group, while the BMI was higher in the controls (p value < 0.001). Mean values of TNF-α (p value < 0.001), IL-6 (p value < 0.001), and right ventricular pressure (p value < 0.001) were significantly higher in the cyanotic children, whereas the BMI was higher in the controls (p value < 0.001). Levels of TNF-α and IL-6 had significant correlations with right ventricular pressure.

Conclusion

The present study showed a differed serum cytokines levels between children with and without CHD.