Urinary eosinophil protein-X is predictive of the development of atopic manifestations in children
Summary
This study utilized infants participating in the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood. The authors measured eosinophil protein-X, leukotriene-C4/D4/E4, and 11 beta-PGF2a in urine from 1-month-old children. Clinical data on the development of allergic sensitization, allergic rhinitis, nasal eosinophilia, blood eosinophilia, eczema, troublesome lung symptoms, and asthma were then collected prospectively until age 6 years.
They found that eosinophil protein-X in the urine of the asymptomatic 1-month-old neonate was significantly associated with the development of allergic sensitization (odds ratio, 1.49), nasal eosinophilia (odds ratio 3.2), and eczema (hazard ratio 1.4).
Eosinophil protein-X was not associated with the development of allergic rhinitis, asthma, or blood eosinophilia. Neither leukotriene-C4/D4/E4 nor 11 beta-PGF2a was associated with any of the atopic phenotypes.
The authors concluded that eosinophil protein-X in urine from asymptomatic neonates is a biomarker significantly associated with the later development of allergic sensitization, nasal eosinophilia, and eczema during the first six years of life.
Reference
Chawes LK, et al. Elevated eosinophil protein-X in urine from healthy neonates precedes development of atopy in the first six years of life. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2011; 184:656-661.