Soluble CD14 as a predictor of subsequent development of recurrent wheezing in hospitalized young children with respiratory syncytial virus-induced bronchiolitis

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infancy that causes severe bronchiolitis had been implicated as potentially responsible for the subsequent development of asthma. The CD14 receptor responds to the microbial burden in the environment and modulates the development of the allergic phenotype. Objective: To investigate the relationship between the serum level of soluble CD14 (sCD14) in children hospitalized because of RSV-induced bronchiolitis and the subsequent development of recurrent wheezing. Methods: Serum levels of sCD14 were measured in 21 children younger than 14 months who were hospitalized because of RSV-induced bronchiolitis. The diagnosis of significant wheezing was evaluated by recurrent episodes of coughing, wheezing, and respiratory distress, which were relieved by inhalation of β-agonists and corticosteroids. Results: Of the 21 children, 19 were followed up for 12 months. The mean sCD14 serum level of 14,521 ± 1,773 pg/mL in the group of 6 children who did not exhibit recurrent wheezing was significantly higher than the level of 11,243 ± 3,264 pg/mL in the group of 13 children who exhibited significant recurrent wheezing (P < .05). The subsequent development of recurrent wheezing was not influenced by positive family history of asthma, number of siblings, sex, or breast-feeding. Conclusion: A follow-up period of 12 months in this small pilot group showed that high serum levels of sCD14 modulate the influence of RSV on subsequent recurrent episodes of wheezing.