Relation among ghrelin, nutritional status, and immunity in children.

Background: Ghrelin is an important mediator of energy balance and metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among ghrelin concentration, growth patterns, and immunological parameters in children with an impairment or inefficiency in functioning of the immune system.

Methods: Twenty patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs), 20 patients with recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs), and 20 healthy children (control group) were included.