Increased Serum Inflammatory Markers as Predictors of Airway Obstruction

Abstract

Recruitment and activation of both neutrophils and eosinophils seem to be a characteristic of chronic bronchitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether eosinophil cationic protein and/or myeloperoxidase (ECP/MPO) serum levels differ between patients with chronic obstructive and nonobstructive bronchitis during an exacerbation-free period and if they represent clinical gravity indicators of disease.

To identify a correlation between ECP/MPO values in serum and bronco-obstruction, a statistical analysis by logistic regression was used. Study results show that there is a relationship between increased serum levels of ECP and log MPO and an increased risk for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) pathologic values associated with obstructive chronic bronchitis, with an ECP odds ratio = 1.04 and logMPO = 4.45.