INFLAMMATION MARKERS AND SYMPTOM ACTIVITY IN CHILDREN WITH BRONCHIAL-ASTHMA - INFLUENCE OF ATOPY AND ECZEMA

Background. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) has been reported to ref lect the eosinophil inflammatory activity in asthma. However, the rela tive impact of asthma symptoms and atopic eczema upon serum (s)-ECP in asthmatic children has not not been established. Objectives. To exami ne s-ECP levels and s-myeloperoxidase (MPO) in relation to asthma symp toms and atopic eczema in asthmatic children. Methods. S-ECP and s-MPO were assessed in relation to symptom activity, lung function, exercis e-induced bronchoconstriction and bronchial responsiveness in 101 chil dren; median age 9 years, range 1-16 years; with moderate to severe as thma, admitted to Voksentoppen Center. Results. S-ECP was significantl y higher in children with persistent compared to episodic or no asthma symptoms in the past four weeks. S-ECP was also higher in children wi th atopic compared to non-atopic asthma, as well as in those with acti ve compared to past history or no history of atopic eczema. S-MPO was higher in children with persistent asthma symptoms, but did not differ in relation to atopy or eczema state. Persistent asthma symptoms had the greatest impact upon s-ECP levels, followed by atopy and active ec zema. Conclusion. S-ECP may be used in assessing symptom activity in a sthmatic children, but with the realisation that active eczema and the presence of atopy may also influence levels.