Abstract
Background Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is one of the most common forms of community-acquired pneumonia in children. The objective of this study was to explore potential changes in levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) associated with pediatric MPP. Methods This protocol has been registered (PROSPERO 2017: CRD42017077979). A literature search was performed in October 2017 using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and other Chinese medical databases to identify studies. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software. Random-effect models were used to estimate mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cytokine levels. Results Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing 2,422 children with MPP and 454 healthy control children. Serum TNF-α levels were significantly higher in children with MPP compared with healthy children (MD = 22.5, 95% CI = 13.78–31.22, P < 0.00001), and there was significant heterogeneity across studies (I2 = 100%, P < 0.00001). Subgroup analyses showed no evidence for a difference in serum TNF-α levels between children with refractory and nonrefractory MPP. Serum IFN-γ levels did not significantly differ in children with MPP compared with healthy children (MD = 4.83, 95% CI = −3.27–12.93, P=0.24). Conclusions Our meta-analysis showed that serum TNF-α and IFN-γ levels were significantly elevated and unchanged, respectively, in pediatric MPP. Because infection by different pathogens has variable effects on serum TNF-α and IFN-γ levels, the finding could be helpful in developing novel diagnostic methods.
Highlights
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is one of the most prevalent etiological agents of community-acquired pneumonia in children [1, 2]
A literature search was performed in October 2017 using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and other Chinese medical databases to identify studies. e following search terms were used: (“cytokine”) or (“tumor necrosis factor-α” or “TNF-α”) or (“interferon-c” or “IFN-c”) and (“Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia” or “MPP”). e searches were restricted to studies whose subjects were children; no language restrictions were applied. e reference lists and supplemental materials associated with the search results were manually inspected to identify additional relevant publications
We found that serum TNF-α and IFN-c levels were not significantly different in children with refractory and nonrefractory MPP
Summary
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is one of the most prevalent etiological agents of community-acquired pneumonia in children [1, 2]. TNF-α may not play a significant antiviral role, and its levels in serum do not change significantly during viral pneumonia [8, 12, 13]. Serum levels of TNF-α in patients with MPP are less well defined, with some studies showing elevated levels and others no difference [14, 15]. Another proinflammatory cytokine, interferon-gamma (IFN-c), is a critical mediator of antiviral. Our meta-analysis showed that serum TNF-α and IFN-c levels were significantly elevated and unchanged, respectively, in pediatric MPP. Because infection by different pathogens has variable effects on serum TNF-α and IFN-c levels, the finding could be helpful in developing novel diagnostic methods
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
