Abstract

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.