Correlation of quality of life with clinical parameters and eosinophilic cation protein levels in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
BACKGROUND
Systemic and mucosal roles of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) are known. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of clinical parameters and quality of life with eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) in grass pollen-sensitive children with seasonal AR.


METHODS
This study included 31 children with AR and 18 healthy controls aged between 5 and 15 years. ECP levels in nasal lavage fluid and serum were measured. AR symptom scores were calculated and the pediatric rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (PRQLQ) was filled in for all patients.


RESULTS
Mean serum and nasal ECP levels (ng/ml) were significantly higher in the patient group (p < 0.05 for both). In the AR group, the mean clinical symptom score was 7.3 +/- 2.2, while the total PRQLQ score, activity limitation, symptoms and emotional function domains were 2.5 +/- 0.9, 3.0 +/- 1.1, 2.5 +/- 1.2 and 2.6 +/- 1.1, respectively. The total clinical symptom score and disease duration showed a significant correlation with the total PRQLQ score (p = 0.00 and 0.003, respectively). However, neither nasal lavage nor serum ECP levels were significantly correlated with symptom score, duration of disease, PRQLQ total score or domains (p > 0.05 for all).


CONCLUSIONS
These results may indicate the absence of a correlation between clinical status and quality of life and levels of ECP in tissues with allergic inflammation.
Yuksel
Hasan
H
Department of Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey. hyukselefe@hotmail.com
Yilmaz
Ozge
O
Sogut
Ayhan
A
Ertan
Pelin
P
Onur
Ece
E
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D047150:Eosinophil Cationic Protein / Q000097:blood*; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017817:Nasal Lavage Fluid / Q000276:immunology; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D011788:Quality of Life; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D047150:Eosinophil Cationic Protein