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Ratio of eosinophil cationic protein/eosinophil count as a new marker in children with acute asthma
Author(s) -
Imai Chihaya,
Yamazaki Hajime,
Tanaka Yasuki,
Matsunaga Masamichi,
Numata Osamu,
Torigoe Katsumi
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
pediatrics international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.49
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1442-200X
pISSN - 1328-8067
DOI - 10.1046/j.1442-200x.1999.4121045.x
Subject(s) - medicine , eosinophil , eosinophil cationic protein , asthma , immunology
Background: It is a matter of concern whether serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) can be considered as a disease marker in children with acute asthma being treated without corticosteroids. Methods: Fourteen children (nine male, five female, aged 6–12 years) with acute asthmatic exacerbation, administered the appropriate drugs, with the exception of systemic or inhaled corticosteroids, were examined. They were all free from apparent asthmatic attacks during a follow‐up period of 1 month. Serum ECP, eosinophil count and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ) _ were measured at referral, on the day of discharge, 1 week and 4 weeks after discharge, respectively. Results: The ratio of ECP/eosinophil count (ECP:Eo ratio), expressed as micrograms of ECP (μg/L)/the number of eosinophil (/μL) x 1000, was also evaluated as a marker of eosinophil activation. Compared with the value at referral, FEV 1 (% predicted) significantly increased on the day of discharge ( P< 0.05), 1 week after ( P< 0.05) and 4 weeks after discharge ( P< 0.05). However, serum ECP concentrations showed no significant changes during the follow‐up period. Eosinophil count showed no significant changes on the day of discharge or 1 week after discharge, but significantly increased 4 weeks after discharge ( P< 0.05). In contrast, the ECP:Eo ratio significantly decreased on the day of discharge ( P< 0.05), 1 week after ( P< 0.05) and 4 weeks after discharge ( P< 0.05). Conclusion: These data suggest that serum ECP is a poor disease marker in asthmatic children with acute exacerbation who receive no corticosteroid therapy, probably due to marked changes in the eosinophil count. However, the ECP:Eo ratio might be a better marker than serum ECP in such patients.