Higher Serum Periostin Levels are associated with Poor Asthma Control in Children

The aim of a recent study was to investigate the correlation between serum periostin levels and asthma control in children. 

In this single-center, cross-sectional study, the participants were children aged 6-17 years with diagnosed asthma and age-matched controls with non-respiratory issues. 

Overall, 90 children were selected – 60 with asthma, 30 controls. Among the ones enrolled, those with asthma exhibited significantly higher periostin levels than controls. Multivariable logistic regression indicated an association between elevated serum periostin levels and poor asthma control in children. Factors such as age, BMI, immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels, eosinophil count, forced expiratory volume in the first minute (FEV1), and allergic rhinitis presence showed no association with asthma control. 

The results demonstrated that asthmatic children have elevated serum periostin levels and higher levels are linked to poor asthma control. Thus, serum periostin may serve as a potential biomarker reflecting inflammation severity in chronic diseases like asthma. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to elucidate periostin's role in asthma etiology and its therapeutic relevance for pediatric asthma treatment.

Source: Choudhary S, Kumar P, Banerjee M, Singh K, Goyal JP.Indian Pediatrics. 2023 Oct;60(10):822-5.