Total Eosinophil Counts in the Management of Bronchial Asthma

Abstract

Total eosinophil counts were investigated in asthmatic patients to determine their usefulness in the diagnosis and management of steroid-dependent asthma. Counts averaged 122 ±74 (S.D.) per mm³ (65 untreated normal subjects) and 43 ± 22 per mm³ (six prednisone-treated normal subjects). Fifty-two patients with active bronchial asthma showed significant eosinophilia (> 350/mm³ off and > 85/mm³ on steroids), suggesting that eosinophilia is an important diagnostic feature of bronchial asthma.