Serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) as a mediator of inflammation in acute asthma, during resolution and during the monitoring of stable asthmatic patients treated with inhaled steroids according to a dose reduction schedule

Abstract

This study suggests that the resolution of acute asthma exacerbations during treatment could be followed using ECP determinations. In stable asthmatics on inhaled steroids and with normal ECP levels, a dose reduction could be indicated. A longer period after tapering off steroids is proposed to confirm the benefit of ECP measurements for controlling asthma.

Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-12) and Th cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13) in patients with allergic asthma

“…Specific IgE serves as a mediator of the allergic response and ECP a marker of allergic inflammation in asthma [28,29]. Our results confirmed that all our asthmatic patients were atopic with an inflammatory response manifesting ≥ 1 sensitization to common inhalant allergens and significantly elevated plasma ECP concentration.…”

“…Animal models and clinical studies in humans have indicated an important role for Th2 cells producing IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma [1], with the induction of a Th1 response that seems to aggravate an inflammatory process [2]. Specific IgE serves as a mediator of the allergic response and ECP a marker of allergic inflammation in asthma [28,29]. Our results confirmed that all our asthmatic patients were atopic with an inflammatory response manifesting $ 1 sensitization to common inhalant allergens and significantly elevated plasma ECP concentration.…”

Can montelukast correct immune dysregulation in preschool children with mild persistent asthma?

“…37 IgE acts as a mediator of the allergic response in asthma. 38 Our results confirmed that all asthmatic children have increased IgE levels than their control counterparts. In a previous study, IgE level has been shown to be high in severe and mild asthma (43% and 50% respectively ).…”

Underuse of Inhaled Steroid Therapy in Elderly Patients With Asthma

“…15 Because this risk increases with duration of asthma and age of patients, adequate treatment with anti-inflammatory medications is particularly germane to the elderly asthmatic population. 15 Moreover, although patients reach clinical stability during hospitalization, their airways remain inflamed for several weeks, predisposing them to suffering relapses during this time 16 ; the risk of relapse is as high as 45% by 8 weeks after hospital discharge, 17 which makes it important that these patients have close follow-ups after discharge. However, a recent study 18 indicates that over half of patients with asthma do not have follow-up visits with a primarycare physician after hospital discharge.…”