Eosinophilic cationic protein: is it useful in assessing control of childhood asthma?

ABSTRACT

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