THE ROLE OF THE EOSINOPHIL COUNT IN THE PREDICTION OF ALLERGY IN THE YOUNG INFANTS

Abstract

In order to predict the later onset of atopic manifestations of young infants by the routine laboratory examinations in the outpatient clinic, a 3-4ml sample of blood was taken for estimation of total IgE levels, RAST (egg white, cow's milk, soybean and mite), complements (C3, C4 and CH50 ) and an eosinophil count under 3 months, at 6-7 months and at a year of age.
The eosinophil count showed a significant increase under 3 months of age in the patients who had an elevation of RAST score after 6 months of age, but did not in those who had a RAST score of 1 or less during the course. Total IgE levels and complements did not indicate any difference between the two groups.
We concluded that the eosinophil count plays an important role to predict the infant's onset of allergic diseases in the future.