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Serum eosinophil cationic protein in children with atopic dermatitis

S Murat-Susić1, J Lipozencić, V Zizić

  • 1Department of Dermatovenerology, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Children's Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia. slosusic@vef.hr

International Journal of Dermatology
|October 17, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) show elevated eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), eosinophil counts, and IgE antibodies. However, these markers do not correlate with AD severity, suggesting their use as supplementary evaluation tools.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Dermatology
  • Clinical Laboratory Science

Background:

  • Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a key mediator released by eosinophils during allergic inflammation.
  • Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by elevated eosinophil activity.
  • Understanding biomarkers associated with AD severity is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare ECP levels, eosinophil counts, and IgE antibodies in children with AD versus non-atopic children.
  • To investigate the correlation between these laboratory parameters and the clinical severity of AD, as measured by the SCORAD index.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 70 children (49 with AD, 21 controls).
  • Measurements included serum ECP, absolute and relative eosinophil counts, and total serum IgE.
  • Clinical severity of AD was assessed using the SCORAD index.

Main Results:

  • Children with AD exhibited significantly higher median levels of IgE antibodies, and absolute and relative eosinophil counts compared to controls (P < 0.001).
  • Serum ECP levels were also significantly higher in children with AD (median 16.2 microg/L) than in controls (median 5.92 microg/L).
  • No statistically significant correlation was found between ECP levels and the SCORAD index or its components (intensity, extent, subjective symptoms).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated ECP, eosinophil counts, and IgE antibodies are characteristic of AD in children.
  • These laboratory findings did not correlate with the clinical severity of AD.
  • ECP, eosinophil counts, and IgE may serve as additional, but not primary, evaluation methods for AD patients.
Abstract

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