This study evaluated peripheral eosinophil and serum eosinophilic cationic protein (s-ECP) levels as markers of asthma control.
A total of 38 children with asthma (16 controlled and 22 partially controlled) were compared with 16 age- and sex-matched healthy children. Total asthma cases had higher eosinophil counts and s-ECP levels than healthy children and partially controlled asthmatics had significantly higher levels of both markers than controlled asthmatics. Controlled asthma cases showed non-significant changes in both parameters versus healthy children.
A negative correlation was noted between degree of asthma control and both eosinophil counts and s-ECP levels (r = -0.60 and -0.75 respectively). s-ECP as well as peripheral eosinophil count may be helpful in the assessment of asthma control.
Authors: Zedan M, Settin A, El-Chennawi F, El-Desouky T, Nasef N, Fouda A
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