[Peripheral blood eosinophils and serum level of eosinophil cationic protein in asthmatics].
OBJECTIVE
Determine the number of circulating eosinophils and serum eosinophil cationic protein levels in asthmatics, and the relationship between them.


METHODS
We studied 26 atopic asthmatics aged 7-16 years divided in two groups according to severity of asthma. Eosinophil counts were obtained by multiplying leukocyte number by eosinophil percent. Serum eosinophil cationic protein levels were determined by fluoroenzymatic method, CAP System, Pharmacia Diagnostics.


RESULTS
Asthmatics had eosinophil counts (810 +/- 103/mcl) significantly higher than non atopic children (158 +/- 30/mcl). Mean eosinophil cationic protein levels were higher in severe asthmatics (p < 0,001) and correlated with eosinophil counts.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum eosinophil cationic protein levels could be useful in assessing the allergic inflammation and probably reflect the activation of eosinophils.
Kantor
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Médico Pneumopediatra do Hospital de Clínicas, PAG UFPR, Curitiba.
Rosário Filho
N A
NA