Abstract 220

We have found that paediatric asthma is more common in homes heated by glass fronted solid fuel fires. Preliminary data indicate high concentrations of PM10 particles. Air pollutants are known to elevate the number of reactive oxygen species and other free radicals. We therefore investigated whether children from homes with glass fronted fires (G) have reduced antioxidant concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and serum. Twenty-one G children (C: 10 male, 7.7±0.5 y) and 47 (26 male, 6.7±0.5 y) controls were studied. Fat soluble vitamins, ascorbic acid and uric acid were measured using HPLC with UV detection for serum samples and electrochemical detection for BAL fluids. The results are given as median (95%CI).

Serum antioxidant concentrations did not differ between the two groups. Ascorbic acid and uric acid concentrations were significantly reduced in BAL fluid from children with glass fronted fires compared to controls [C: 0.518(0.365-0.988) vs G: 0.331 (0.126-0.472) µmol/l, p<0.05] and [C: 0.518 (0.407-0.733) vs G: 0.304 (0.294-0.507) µmol/l, p<0.05, respectively].

The serum data indicate that the nutritional status is similar in both groups of children. The BAL data strongly suggest that in homes heated by glass fronted fires, BAL antioxidants are used to combat the increased free radical burden. This may be of particular importance in children with airways disease.

Supported by DAAD (Germany) and the National Asthma Campaign UK.