Serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.

We studied serum ECP levels in 21 seasonal allergic patients (16 patients with rhinitis; 5 with rhinitis and asthma) diagnosed by history, skin tests, and RAST. Seventeen healthy subjects were selected as a control group. None of the patients had received medications. Total IgE levels were also measured and correlated with ECP levels. Mean IgE level was found to be higher in patients than controls (p < 0.05). Patients with asthma and rhinitis had higher IgE values than those with rhinitis alone (p < 0.05). Serum ECP levels in the patient group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between ECP levels in patients with rhinitis and rhinitis plus asthma groups, although mean ECP was higher level in the later group. Total IgE and ECP levels were correlated positively in the patients (r = 0.630, p < 0.05). We conclude that the extent of allergic inflammation in mucosal surfaces such as allergic rhinitis plus asthma, might influence serum ECP levels.