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Inflammation markers and symptom activity in children with bronchial asthma. Influence of atopy and eczema

K H Carlsen1, R Halvorsen, M Pettersen

  • 1Voksentoppen Center of Asthma, Allergy and Chronic Lung Diseases in Children, Oslo, Norway. kaic@ulrik.uio.no

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

Insights

Serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in children with asthma is influenced by persistent symptoms, atopy, and active eczema. These factors, particularly persistent asthma symptoms, significantly impact ECP levels, aiding in symptom assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Biomarkers in Asthma

Background:

  • Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a marker for eosinophilic inflammation in asthma.
  • The influence of asthma symptoms and atopic eczema on serum ECP (s-ECP) in asthmatic children requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum ECP (s-ECP) and serum myeloperoxidase (s-MPO) levels in relation to asthma symptoms and atopic eczema in children with asthma.
  • To determine the relative impact of asthma severity and comorbidities on s-ECP levels.

Main Methods:

  • Serum ECP and s-MPO were measured in 101 children (median age 9 years) with moderate to severe asthma.
  • Assessment included symptom activity, lung function, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and bronchial responsiveness.
  • Children were recruited from Voksentoppen Center.

Main Results:

  • S-ECP levels were significantly elevated in children with persistent asthma symptoms compared to episodic or no symptoms.
  • Children with atopic asthma and active atopic eczema showed higher s-ECP levels than non-atopic or those without active eczema.
  • Persistent asthma symptoms had the most substantial effect on s-ECP, followed by atopy and active eczema.

Conclusions:

  • Serum ECP can serve as an indicator of symptom activity in pediatric asthma.
  • Clinicians should consider the potential influence of active eczema and atopy when interpreting s-ECP levels in asthmatic children.
Abstract

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