Effects of Passive Smoking on Spirometric Values and Plasma Level of Inflammatory Markers in Healthy School Children in Khartoum
Effects of Passive Smoking on Spirometric Values and Plasma Level of Inflammatory Markers in Healthy School Children in Khartoum
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2015-04-12
Authors
Hakim, Tarig
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UOFK
Abstract
Background: Exposure of children to environmental tobacco smoke at
home has been linked to many complications including respiratory
symptoms, airway inflammation and impaired lung ventilatory functions;
however, factors like housing conditions and genetic predisposition may
influence the development of these complications.
Objectives: To determine the effects of passive smoking on spirometric
values and plasma level of inflammatory markers in healthy male schoolchildren.
Methods: This is an observational case control study conducted in year
2009 among 135 male school-pupils (69 cases and 66 controls), aged 9-14
(mean 11.6 ± 1.3) years, selected randomly from three governmental
primary schools for boys in Khartoum. Information about smoking history,
its impact on child’s health and the attitude of parents towards passive
smoking was collected from each pupil and his parents using a
questionnaire. Spirometric measurements were performed using Clement
Clarke All-flow Spirometer. Plasma CRP, IL4 and TNFα were measured
using ELISA kits.
Results: Fathers were responsible for 67.5% of second-hand smoke at
home; mothers were responsible for 2.5% whereas relatives like brothers
and uncles were responsible for 30%. The group of cases showed a
significant rise in plasma TNFα and IL4 and a significant reduction in FVC
and FEV1 by about (7-8%). The rise in plasma TNFα and IL4 was higher in
those with high degree of tobacco smoke exposure than those with low
exposure, indicating a dose dependent effect. No significant difference was
V
found in frequencies of hospital admissions, surgical operations and
respiratory tract infections during the last year; however, snoring during
sleep was significantly higher among cases (8.2%) than controls (2.2%).
The majority of fathers in the study group did not smoke or allow smoking
near their wives during pregnancy (90%).
Conclusion & recommendation: Passive smoking has a significant
negative impact on lung function of healthy male school-pupils in
Khartoum and a significant dose dependent effect on plasma TNFα and
IL4.Educational programs are highly recommended to increase awareness
of parents about the negative impact of passive smoking on child’s health.
Description
Keywords
Effects,Passive, Smoking , Spirometric, Values,Plasma,Inflammatory, Markers, Healthy ,School