ROLE OF EOSINOPHILS IN CHILDHOOD ASTHMA INFLAMMATION

The serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) are raised in as thmatic children and indicate an eosinophil involving inflammatory pro cess of the lungs. ECP measurements in serum may be used to monitor th e severity of asthma in children and the efficacy of treatment with in haled corticosteroids as well as to monitor allergen exposure. From th ese rather indirect studies we suspect that the inflammatory process i n childhood asthma is the same as that seen in adults and involves the eosinophils. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.