CALCIUM AND IRON STATUS IN ASTHMA PATIENTS
Dr.V.Umalakshmi M.D, *Dr.K.Bhargavi M.D, Dr.V.RatnaKumari M.D,
Dr.M.GouriDevi M.D
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Asthma is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness
correlated with variable airflow obstruction. Calcium is the second
messenger regulating airway smooth muscle contraction.
Abnormalities in calcium homeostasis is manifested by increase flux of
calcium and alteration in calcium regulatory proteins playing a critical
role in airway smooth muscle hyperactivity in asthma. Iron metabolism
is of crucial importance in the pathophysiology of the lower respiratory
tract. Aim: To measure the levels of serum Calcium, serum Iron in
patients with stable asthma and exacerbating asthma and to predict the
severity of asthma. Materials & Methods: A case control study of 120
was conducted including 40 controls, 40 of Stable Asthma Group and
40 of Exacerbating Asthma patients. Results: Showed significant
increase of Calcium (p<0.0001) in asthma with exacerbation (20.89 ±
2.32) compared to that of control group (9.618 ± 0.86). Serum Iron (p<0.0001) in patients of
asthma with Exacerbations (201.73 ± 11.59) compared to that of control (111.8 ±12.21).No
statistical significance was observed in Stable asthma when compared to controls.
Conclusion: Calcium and Iron levels increased significantly in Exacerbating asthma when
compared to Stable asthma patients.
Keywords: Calcium, Iron, Exacerbating Asthma, Stable Asthma.
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