Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
08:47

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber

Published on: March 3, 2023

2.8K

Serum ECP as a diagnostic marker for asthma in children less than 5 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mounika Polavarapu1, Hillary Klonoff-Cohen2

  • 1School of Population Health, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|September 15, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Diagnosing asthma in young children is challenging. This study found insufficient evidence that serum eosinophilic cationic protein (sECP) effectively diagnoses asthma in children under five.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Diagnostic Accuracy
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Asthma diagnosis in children under five lacks reliable clinical or laboratory markers.
  • Standard lung function tests are not feasible in this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of serum eosinophilic cationic protein (sECP) for asthma in children under five years of age.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was conducted.
  • Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 scale.
  • A meta-analysis of five studies was performed using RevMan 5.3.

Main Results:

  • Eight studies were included in the systematic review; five in the meta-analysis.
  • Pooled sensitivity was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66-0.88) and pooled specificity was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.54-0.92).
  • Pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 14.73 (95% CI: 3.58-60.58).

Conclusions:

  • The current evidence is insufficient to support the use of sECP levels for diagnosing early childhood asthma.
  • Further research is needed to establish reliable diagnostic tools for pediatric asthma.
Abstract

Keywords:
childhood asthmadiagnostic markerinflammatory markersmeta-analysisserum ECP

More Related Videos

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing13:28

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing

Published on: December 17, 2017

28.3K
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

10.7K

Related Concept Videos

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
2.9K
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.
1.0K
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:
3.8K
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
3.1K
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
1.6K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
2.9K