Clinical significance of the changes of serum IL-2, SIL-2R and VEGF levels in pediatric patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Objective: To explore the clinical significance of the changes of serum IL-2, soluble IL-2 receptor (SIL-2R) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in pediatric patients with tuberculosis. Methods: Serum IL-2 (with RIA) and SIL-2R, VEGF (with ELISA) levels were determined in 68 pediatric patients with tuberculosis (30 active and 38 non- active) and 30 controls. Results: In the patients with active tuberculosis, the serum IL-2 levels were significantly lower and SIL-2R, VEGF levels were significantly higher than those in the controls (P<0.01). Conclusion: Determination of serum IL-2, SIL-2R and VEGF levels was useful for monitoring the activity of tuberculosis in pediatric patients. (authors)