Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate
School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan | Department of Pediatrics, Konan Showa Hospital,
Japan
Note: [] Correspondence: Akihisa Okumura, M.D., Department of
Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine 65 Tsurumai-cho,
Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan. Tel: +81-52-744-2309; fax:
+81-52-744-2974; Email: [email protected]
Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate serum beta 2-microglobulin and
neopterin levels in children with febrile illness and to clarify their relation
to influenza and febrile seizures (FS). We studied 34 patients with febrile
illness whose age was between 1 and 6 years. Influenza A antigen in the throat
swab was positive in 17 patients (Flu group) and was negative in 17 (control
group). Serum levels of beta 2-microglobulin and neopterin were evaluated on
admission. FS were observed in 13 patients (6 in Flu group and 7 in control
group). Serum beta 2-microglobulin and neopterin levels were higher in Flu
group than in control group. On the other hand, there were no significant
differences in serum beta 2-microglobulin or neopterin levels between those
with and without FS. Higher serum beta 2-microglobulin and neopterin levels in
Flu group suggested that stronger activation of immune system was caused by
influenza than by infection with other agents. (J Pediatr Neurol 2003; 1(1):
35–38).
