A Study of Clinical Profile and Spontaneous Course of Eosinophilia

ABSTRACT

Aim of the study was evaluation of symptoms and signs in patients with eosinophilia, to try to find its etiology and to study the natural course of eosinophilia during the period of study. Fifty patients with absolute eosinophil count (AEC) more than 350/mm3 or differential count more than 3% irrespective of their age, sex and medical condition were included. The patients were divided into mild (AEC-350 to 1500), moderate (1500 to 5000) and severe (>5000/mm3 of blood) eosinophilia. They underwent a series of routine and special hematological and biochemical investigations including bone marrow aspiration, serum IgE estimation, and pulmonary function tests. The patients were studied for a period of 3 months. Most of the patients (52%) fell in the category of mild eosinophilia. Minimum AEC at the entry of patients into the study was 600 and maximum was 22500. Commonest presenting symptoms were anorexia (40%), pain abdomen (38%), fever (32%), and breathlessness (30%). Etiology of eosinophilia was undiagnosed in 70% of the patients. Parasitism was more common than allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. On follow up investigations, eosinophilia resolved on its own even without specific antieosinophilic treatment. Extensive work up of patients was not associated with significant change in the management of any patients with eosinophilia. The etiology of eosinophilia remains unrevealed in majority of the patients. Extensive work up of patients with eosinophilia is not recommended.