LAUSR

ObjectiveThis study aims to discuss the correlation between serum inflammatory cytokines and neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) in children with severe hand–foot–mouth disease (HFMD).MethodsA total of 89 patients with severe HFMD were enrolled into this study. These patients were divided into two groups, according to the presence of NPE: central nervous system disease (CNSD) group and NPE group. Serum IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were measured in patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 1, 3, and 5 days after admission. Furthermore, risk factors for NPE were screened using multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsIL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in the NPE group were higher than in the CNSD group. TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ levels reached a peak on the 3rd day of admission. Age, continuous fever, blood sugar, white blood cell count, and IL-10 were risk factors for the occurrence of NPE in severe HFMD.ConclusionThe dynamic unbalance of inflammatory cytokines is related to the occurrence and progress of NPE.