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Eosinophil cationic protein in induced sputum as a marker of inflammation in asthmatic children

R Sorva1, T Metso, M Turpeinen

  • 1Department of Allergic Diseases, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|February 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Induced sputum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a sensitive marker for childhood asthma inflammation. Sputum ECP levels decreased with treatment, unlike serum ECP, indicating its diagnostic and monitoring utility.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Biomarker Research

Background:

  • Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease in children.
  • Accurate markers for assessing pediatric asthma inflammation are crucial for effective management.
  • Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is implicated in allergic inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in induced sputum and serum as markers of childhood asthma.
  • To compare the sensitivity of sputum ECP versus serum ECP in diagnosing and monitoring pediatric asthma.
  • To assess changes in ECP levels following asthma treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of ECP in induced sputum and serum from children with newly diagnosed asthma and healthy controls.
  • Analysis of ECP levels before and after a 6-month treatment regimen.
  • Comparison of ECP levels between asthmatic patients and controls, and correlation with clinical improvement.

Main Results:

  • Higher ECP levels were observed in both sputum and serum of asthmatic children compared to controls, with a more pronounced difference in sputum.
  • A significant decrease in sputum ECP was noted during treatment, correlating with clinical improvement.
  • Serum ECP levels did not show significant changes despite clinical improvement.

Conclusions:

  • Induced sputum is a valuable, non-invasive tool for assessing asthmatic inflammation in children.
  • Total sputum ECP is more sensitive than serum ECP for the diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric asthma.
  • Sputum ECP levels reflect treatment response and disease activity in childhood asthma.

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