Frequency distribution of neutrophil and eosinophil count in children with asthmatic attack referring to Taleghani hospital in Gorgan in 2016-2020

Abstract

Introduction: The total eosinophil count is a marker of asthmatic activity and can be helpful in the early diagnosis of asthma attacks and in determining appropriate steroid doses. However, in some asthmatic patients, the blood eosinophil count may be within the normal range, and the eosinophil level may not necessarily be elevated in patients with bronchial asthma. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the frequency distribution of eosinophil and neutrophil percentages in peripheral blood smears of children experiencing asthma attacks. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of children with severe asthmatic attacks treated at Ayatollah Taleghani hospital in Gorgan between 2016 and 2020. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the participants to evaluate the neutrophil and eosinophil counts. Results: Out of the 180 medical records analyzed, only 1.7% of patients had eosinophil counts above the normal range, while 86.7% had neutrophil counts above the normal range. The results showed an inverse relationship between the age of patients and their peripheral blood eosinophil levels, although this relationship was not statistically significant (r=-0.06, P=0.41). There was a significant relationship between the neutrophil percentage and the age of the patients; however, this relationship was also not statistically significant (r=0.03, P=0.96). Conclusion: The percentage of eosinophils in peripheral blood can be a reliable predictor for assessing the severity of asthma.