OBJECTIVE Determine the number of circulating eosinophils and serum eosinophil cationic protein levels in asthmatics, and the relationship between them. METHODS We studied 26 atopic asthmatics aged 7-16 years divided in two groups according to severity of asthma. Eosinophil counts were obtained by multiplying leukocyte number by eosinophil percent. Serum eosinophil cationic protein levels were determined by fluoroenzymatic method, CAP System, Pharmacia Diagnostics. RESULTS Asthmatics had eosinophil counts (810 +/- 103/mcl) significantly higher than non atopic children (158 +/- 30/mcl). Mean eosinophil cationic protein levels were higher in severe asthmatics (p < 0,001) and correlated with eosinophil counts. CONCLUSIONS Serum eosinophil cationic protein levels could be useful in assessing the allergic inflammation and probably reflect the activation of eosinophils.
