C3 and C4 complement system components as biomarkers in the intermittent atopic asthma diagnosis.

Objective: To analyze serum C3 and C4 complement system components with a view to their possible utility as biomarkers of intermittent atopic asthma.

Methods: Serum levels of the C3 and C4 complement components were assayed in 70 children aged from 3 to 14 years and with a history of "wheezy chest." After 2 years' outpatients follow-up and after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the children were divided into two groups: 40 children with intermittent atopic asthma and 30 children without asthma.