Serum and Sputum Eosinophil Cationic Protein Levels and Clinical Status in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Recent studies have emphasied the role of eosinophils and it’s metabolites in the pathogenesis of lung disease in cystic fi brosis. This study was designed to assess the relationship between serum and sputum ECP levels and clinical status of cystic fi brosis patients. Material and methods: 30 patients, aged 6–30 with moderate cystic fi brosis were recruited. Spirometry, weight and high, and Shwachman-Kulczycki score were measured, and serum and sputum samples were obtained for measure-ments of the eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). Results: We observed signifi cant inverse correlation between sputum ECP levels and BMI (p < 0.001) and FEV₁ (p < 0.001), and not signifi cant inverse correlation between sputum ECP levels Shwachman-Kulczycki score (p = 0.057). There was no signifi cant correlation between sputum ECP levels and FEF25/75% and between serum ECP levels and measured clinical parameters. Conclusions: Results of this study suggest infl uence of eosinophil infl ammation in respiratory tract on clinical status of CF patients.