Secretory Phospholipase A2 in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Hospitalized for Vaso-Occlusive Pain Episodes.

What was studied

This study looked at sPLA2, a sign of inflammation, in sickle cell disease. 105 children were in hospital with a pain episode. Blood levels were measured over time. The team also tested arginine against placebo. Arginine was given into a vein.

What they found

Average age was 12.7 years. High sPLA2 on arrival was more common with acute chest syndrome. Peak levels were higher with fever than without. They were 101.0 against 48.7 ng/mL. Some children started with high levels. In them, levels fell by 27.8 ng/mL with arginine. They fell by 15.0 with placebo. The fall was significant only with arginine.

What it means for patients

The team says sPLA2 is an underused marker of acute chest syndrome. They say low levels may mark a low risk. They say arginine may calm inflammation in pain episodes.

Why it is not certain yet

The arginine result covers children with high starting levels. The groups had 23 and 12 children. A cutoff of 48 ng/mL from earlier work was used. The team uses the word may for arginine.

Source

Secretory Phospholipase A2 in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Hospitalized for Vaso-Occlusive Pain Episodes.

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