Korean J Pediatr.  2005 Oct;48(10):1126-1131.

Relationship between deltaFVC (% fall in FVC at the PC20 Dose of Methacholine) and Serum Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) in 6-8 Year Old Children with Asthma

• Suh DI
• Yu J
• Yoo Y
• Kim DK
• Kang H
• Koh YY

Abstract

PURPOSE
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is considered a hallmark of asthma. Increased levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) have been identified in serum of asthma patients. Several studies have examined the relationship between serum ECP and bronchial responsiveness, expressed as methacholine PC20 in asthmatic patients, with conflicting results. The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between serum ECP and deltaFVC, another index of bronchial responsiveness, which reflects increased maximal airway response. METHODS: Six to 8-year-old children with asthma (n=109) underwent methacholine bronchoprovocation testing. The PC20 dose of methacholine and deltaFVC were calculated for each individual from the methacholine dose response curves. Serum ECP levels and blood total eosinophil counts were also measured. RESULTS: Serum ECP correlated with deltaFVC (r=0.217, P=0.023), as well as PC20 (r=-0.208, P=0.030). However, blood eosinophil counts failed to show any correlations with deltaFVC (r=0.085, P=0.378) or PC20 (r=-0.148, P=0.125). deltaFVC did not correlate with PC20 (r=-0.079, P=0.417). CONCLUSION: Blood eosinophil activation is associated with both components of BHR including increased sensitivity and increased maximal response in 6-8 year old children with asthma.

Keyword

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness; deltaFVC; PC20; Serum ECP; Asthma; Children

MeSH Terms

Asthma*
Child*
Eosinophil Cationic Protein*
Eosinophils
Humans
Methacholine Chloride
Eosinophil Cationic Protein
Methacholine Chloride