Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
09:58

A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice

Published on: April 13, 2010

22.3K

Blood eosinophil counts during bronchiolitis are related to bronchial hyper-responsiveness and lung function in early

Ingvild Bruun Mikalsen1, Thomas Halvorsen, Knut Øymar

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|October 15, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Infant blood eosinophil counts during bronchiolitis predict later asthma and reduced lung function. This suggests eosinophil inflammation in infancy may impact long-term respiratory health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric pulmonology
  • Immunology
  • Respiratory medicine

Background:

  • Bronchiolitis is a common viral respiratory infection in infants.
  • Long-term respiratory sequelae, including asthma, are observed after severe bronchiolitis.
  • The role of specific inflammatory markers during acute illness in predicting later outcomes is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between inflammatory markers measured during acute infant bronchiolitis and the development of asthma, lung function, bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR), and atopy at age 11.
  • To determine if specific urinary and blood inflammatory markers predict long-term respiratory outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 105 infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis was recruited.
  • Urinary eosinophil protein X, U-leukotriene E4, U-prostaglandin 9α, 11β-PGF2, and blood eosinophil counts were measured during acute illness.
  • Ninety-five children (90%) were followed up at 11 years of age for assessment of asthma, lung function, BHR, and atopy.

Main Results:

  • Higher blood eosinophil counts during bronchiolitis were significantly associated with the presence of asthma at age 11 (p=0.048).
  • Blood eosinophil counts during acute bronchiolitis positively correlated with bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) (p=0.006) and negatively with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (p=0.025) at age 11.
  • No significant associations were found between other measured inflammatory markers and long-term respiratory outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Eosinophil inflammation during acute infant bronchiolitis may have a lasting impact on lung function and airway responsiveness.
  • These findings suggest that eosinophil-driven inflammation during early respiratory infections could contribute to the development of chronic respiratory conditions.
  • The observed associations may be attributed to virus-host interactions or pre-existing host susceptibility.
Abstract

Keywords:
Asthma in childrenBronchial hyper-reactivityBronchiolitisInflammatory mediatorsLung function

More Related Videos

Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation08:44

Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation

Published on: May 30, 2020

5.7K
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

9.6K

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
360
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
77
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
4.7K
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.5K
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.6K
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
73