Eosinophilic Cationic Protein as a Biomarker in Diagnosis of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Eosinophilic Cationic Protein as a Biomarker in Diagnosis of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by
 long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. It is changed to acute exacerbation of Chronic
 obstructive pulmonary disease when respiratory symptoms worsen, beyond normal day-to-day
 variations, severely enough that changes in medication are required.

 Inflammation is a core feature of acute exacerbation of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
 since it gives insight into the pathological changes causing an exacerbation. Eosinophils may
 play a significant role in airway inflammation in some patients with Chronic obstructive
 pulmonary disease.

 Previous studies have indicated that eosinophilic airway inflammation is also associated with
 the development of severe acute exacerbation of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
 Eosinophilic Cationic Protein has various biological activities, including antibacterial,
 antiviral, antiparasitic and neurotoxic functions, and it contributes to the regulation of
 fibroblast activity. Eosinophilic Cationic Protein also induces airway mucus secretion and
 interacts with the coagulation and complement systems. Eosinophilic Cationic Protein has been
 developed as a marker for eosinophilic disease and quantified in biological fluids including
 serum, bronchoalveolar lavage and nasal secretions. It is found in diseases such as allergic
 asthma and allergic rhinitis but also occasionally in other diseases. Only activated
 eosinophil granulocytes release the granule content and therefore the determination of
 Eosinophilic Cationic Protein concentration is a considerably more specific indicator of
 eosinophil inflammation than eosinophil granulocyte count in peripheral blood as serum
 Eosinophilic Cationic Protein levels increase during acute exacerbation of Chronic
 obstructive pulmonary disease
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  clinical features of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

 -  spirometry compatible with the GOLD criteria (Forced expiratory volume 1/ Forced vital
 capacity <70%) post bronchodilator.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients with bronchial asthma

 -  Asthma -Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome

 -  Atopic patients

 -  Pneumothorax

 -  Congestive heart failure

 -  Cancer of any kind

 -  A history of major surgery in the preceding 4 weeks.

 -  Patients undergoing mechanical ventilation or presenting with azotaemia (serum
 creatinine >1.5 mg/dl).