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[Levels of eosinophil cationic protein in serum of infants with wheezy bronchitis]
A Breborowicz1, A Swiatły, J Alkiewicz
1Kliniki Pneumonologiii Dzieciecej Instytutu Pediatrii, Akademii Medycznej w Poznaniu.
Insights
In infants with wheezy bronchitis, activated eosinophils release eosinophil cationic protein (s-ECP). Higher s-ECP levels correlate with symptom severity and atopic predisposition in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pneumonology
- Allergy and Immunology
Context:
- Wheezy bronchitis is a common pediatric respiratory issue.
- The specific inflammatory mechanisms during acute wheezy bronchitis episodes require further elucidation.
- Eosinophil activation is implicated in airway inflammation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role of eosinophil activation marker, eosinophil cationic protein (s-ECP), in infants diagnosed with wheezy bronchitis.
- To explore the relationship between s-ECP levels and clinical factors such as age, symptom severity, and atopic status.
Summary:
- This study analyzed serum eosinophil cationic protein (s-ECP) levels in 69 infants with wheezy bronchitis.
- Elevated s-ECP concentrations were observed in 18.8% of the infants.
- s-ECP levels were found to be associated with infant age, symptom severity, and atopic predisposition (higher IgE levels), but not with recurrent symptoms versus no respiratory issues in follow-up. However, infants with frequent wheezing episodes showed higher initial s-ECP levels.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that eosinophils are activated in infants experiencing wheezy bronchitis.
- Serum eosinophil cationic protein (s-ECP) serves as a potential biomarker correlating with disease severity and atopic predisposition in pediatric wheezy bronchitis.
- This research contributes to understanding the pathophysiology of wheezy bronchitis and may inform future diagnostic or therapeutic strategies.
Abstract:
Wheezy bronchitis is one of the most important problems in pediatric pneumonology. Characteristic of bronchial inflammatory response during acute episode of wheezy bronchitis is not well known. The aim of our study was to examine eosinophil activation marker--eosinophil cationic protein(s-ECP) in infants with wheezy bronchitis. The study group consisted of 69 infants. Mean s-ECP level was 12.51 ug/l. Increased concentration was found in 13 children (18.8%). s-ECP level depended on age (the lowest value in the first three month of life), severity of symptoms and atopic status (higher value in case of severe course of disease and in group with higher IgE level)). There was no difference in s-ECP value between group of children presenting recurrent symptoms and children without respiratory problems in follow-up observation. However in group with frequent episodes of wheezing results of ECP level on first examination were higher than in group with only one or two episodes. Our observation suggests that in infants suffering from wheezy bronchitis eosinophils are activated and s-ECP correlate with severity of symptoms and atopic predisposition.