Urinary eosinophil protein X in children with atopic dermatitis: relation to atopy and disease activity.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Parameters of eosinophil inflammation have been suggested as markers of disease activity in atopic dermatitis (AD), but the value of urinary eosinophil protein X (U-EPX) in children with AD, as well as the influence of allergic sensitization, is not known.

METHODS:

We measured U-EPX in 59 atopic and 29 nonatopic children with mild (n = 32), moderate (n = 34), and severe (n = 22) AD, as well as in 64 controls.

RESULTS:

U-EPX was increased in children with AD (110; 67-164 microg/mmol creatinine, median; quartiles) compared to controls (62; 41-95, P<0.001). Children with mild (97; 63-164, P < 0.01), moderate (108; 67-157, P < 0.01), and severe disease (152; 99-202, P < 0.001) had levels of U-EPX higher than controls. U-EPX was significantly higher in children with severe AD than in mild and moderate disease (P < 0.05 for both). Children with AD and a positive skin prick test (120; 81-176) had higher levels of U-EPX than children with a negative skin prick test (87; 56-155, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

U-EPX is significantly increased in children with AD and may reflect disease activity. U-EPX may also reflect differences in eosinophil activation between those sensitized and those not sensitized to common allergens.

• Authors: K Oymar, R Bjerknes
• Journal: Allergy (Allergy) Vol. 55 Issue 10 Pg. 964-8 (Oct 2000) ISSN: 0105-4538 [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 11030379 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Blood Proteins
• Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin
• Ribonucleases

Topics

• Blood Proteins (urine)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dermatitis, Atopic (etiology, physiopathology, urine)
• Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Ribonucleases (urine)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Skin Tests