Abstract
ABSTRACT Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels may be of value in assessing tissue inflammation in atopic diseases. However, conflicting results have been reported regarding levels of serum ECP (s-ECP) and symptom activity in asthma, atopic dermatitis, or allergic rhinitis. To examine s-ECP levels, eosinophil counts and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) in relation to atopic disease activity in a random population of children admitted to hospital for atopic and nonatopic conditions. s-ECP, eosinophil counts, and total IgE were evaluated in all the children admitted to a pediatric ward, excluding patients treated with systemic steroids. A total of 216 children were studied. Skin prick tests (SPT) and a validated questionnaire for asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis were obtained. s-ECP was significantly higher in children with symptomatic atopic disease (19.88 μg/L) compared with nonatopic control patients (8.58 μg/L). The levels of s-ECP were also elevated in patients with a positive response t...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
