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Eosinophilic inflammation in cough variant asthma
1Dept of Infection and Inflammation, Chest Disease Research Institute, Kyoto University, Japan.
The European Respiratory Journal
|July 2, 1998
Summary
Eosinophilic inflammation is present in both classic asthma and cough variant asthma (CVA). This suggests anti-inflammatory treatments are crucial for managing CVA symptoms, similar to classic asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Allergy
Background:
- Eosinophils are key players in asthma pathogenesis.
- Previous research indicated sputum eosinophilia in cough variant asthma (CVA) and classic asthma.
- This study further explores eosinophil involvement in CVA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of eosinophils in cough variant asthma.
- To compare eosinophil markers between CVA, classic asthma, and healthy controls.
- To assess the correlation between eosinophil levels and clinical severity in asthma.
Main Methods:
- Examined serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels.
- Assessed percentage of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid.
- Quantified eosinophils in bronchial biopsy specimens from 14 CVA patients, 21 classic asthma patients, and 7 controls.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary function and bronchial responsiveness were similar between classic asthma and CVA groups.
- Serum ECP, BAL eosinophils, and tissue eosinophils were significantly elevated in both asthma groups compared to controls.
- No significant differences in eosinophil markers were found between classic asthma and CVA patients.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophilic inflammation is a common feature of both CVA and classic asthma.
- Clinical severity in both asthma types correlated with serum ECP and tissue eosinophils.
- Anti-inflammatory therapy is likely essential for managing CVA, mirroring classic asthma treatment.
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