BACKGROUND The collection of induced sputum provides a non-invasive method of investigating airway inflammation. Few studies have been performed in children, so a study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of sputum induction, the repeatability of eosinophil counts and sputum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels, and the relation of these to current asthma severity. For comparison, s...

I order to study the time-course of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) as parameters for monitoring inflammation in cystic fibrosis (CF), we investigated ten patients during both a 14-day intravenous antibiotic treatment and a corresponding self control. Modified Shwachman-Kulczycki score improved significantly (p < 0.008), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels decreased sign...

OBJECTIVES To report on the extended follow-up of relapsing/refractory CSS patients treated with mepolizumab with respect to relapse rates. METHODS The follow-up consisted of regular clinic visits of patients who received nine infusions of mepolizumab (750mg IV) and switched to methotrexate 0.3mg/kg for maintenance of remission. Glucocorticoids were maintained as low as possible. Disease acti...

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to investigate inflammation during the birch pollen season in patients with rhinitis or asthma. METHODS Subjects with birch pollen asthma (n = 7) or rhinitis (n = 9) and controls (n = 5) were studied before and during pollen seasons. Eosinophils (Eos), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and human neutrophil lipocalin were analysed. RESULTS Allergic asthmat...

PURPOSE Eosinophils are frequently found in atopic dermatitis (AD) and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) that release eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) cationic protein (ECP). Continuous exposure to these proteins could trigger an autoimmune response which may contribute the pathogenesis severity of skin inflammation. In this study, we investigate immunoglobulin E (IgE) against CSU AD. METHODS We r...

Salmeterol is a selective long-acting beta 2-agonist bronchodilator considered to have added anti-inflammatory effects, but this is controversial. We investigated the effects of a single dose of salmeterol, 100 micrograms, on the physiological and inflammatory responses to inhaled allergen and compared these with the effects of a single dose of beclomethasone, 500 micrograms, and of placebo. Ei...

UNLABELLED The association between onset of asthma exacerbation and the inflammatory response has not been sufficiently studied. OBJECTIVE To determine the differential mechanisms of the rapid onset (RO) asthma exacerbation. METHODS We designed a prospective, multicentre study that included 34 patients who suffered from asthma exacerbation. They were distributed into three groups of asthmat...

BACKGROUND Airway challenge of ovalbumin-sensitized mice induces intrapulmonary accumulation of eosinophil progenitors. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether allergen-challenged lungs release factors promoting intrapulmonary accumulation of haemopoietic cells, and define the role of allergic lung injury, we developed a transplantation model. METHODS Lung tissue from allergen-challenged, sensitized ...