engleski

Asthma and Eosinophilic Cationic Protein as an Indicator of Disease Control

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children and adolescents. It is necessary to develop objective methods for assessment of disease activity, treatment efficacy, and prevention of attacks. Measurements of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) should serve as an objective indicator of allergic inflammation activity. This follow-up study included 100 children treated with inhaled corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate) or sodium cromoglycate over a 12-month period. The values of (ECP) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) were measured at the beginning of the study and then once a month for a year, to evaluate treatment efficacy. The fastest drop in ECP values and the highest increase in FEV1 were found in children with newly diagnosed asthma, who were treated with inhalation corticosteroid. This result supports the importance of early introduction of anti- inflammatory therapy in childhood asthma.

asthma-physiopathology, asthma-blood, eosinophils-immunology, asthma-therapy

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