SERUM LEVEL OF EOSINOPHILIC CATIONIC PROTEIN IN RELATION TO EOSINOPHILIA AND TO EXHALED NITRIC OXIDE VALUE IN CHILDREN WITH ATOPIC ASTHMA AND AEROALLERGENS SENSITIZATION

Abstract

Aim. To assess the correlation between the serum level of eosinophilic cationic protein (S-ECP) and the occurrence of eosinophilia, respectively the exhaled nitric oxide value (FeNO), in children with atopic asthma and aeroallergens sensitization. Material and method. A prospective study including 63 children with atopic asthma and aeroallergens sensitization aged 5-18 years old, conducted in Pediatric Department of Children Clinical Hospital “Dr. Victor Gomoiu”, between April 2016 and July 2017. The S-ECP level, occurrence of eosinophilia and FeNO value were initially determined. Thereafter the statistically significance of the correlation between S-ECP and the occurrence of eosinophilia, respectively FeNO value, was assessed. Results. 22 patients had normal S-ECP level; among them only 8 had eosinophilia. 41 patients had increased S-ECP level; among them 28 had eosinophilia. Using the statistical function Pearson Chi-Square Test to assess the significance of the correlation between increased S-ECP level and eosinophilia we have obtained a p value = 0.0146 (statistically significant). 15 of those 22 patients with normal S-ECP level had at the same time a normal FeNO level; the other 7 patients had increased FeNO level. 17 of those 41 patients with increased S-ECP value had normal FeNO level; the other 24 patients had increased FeNO level. Using the statistical function Pearson Chi-Square Test to assess the significance of the correlation between S-ECP level and FeNO value we have obtained a p value = 0.0432 (statistically significant). Conclusion. Increased S-ECP level is correlated with the occurrence of eosinophilia and also with the increased FeNO value in atopic children with aeroallergens sensitization.

Keywords

• allergic asthma
• atopy
• eosinophilic cationic protein
• eosinophilia
• nitric oxide