Eosinophilia
Article Abstract:
Eosinophilia is a disease characterized by an overproduction of eosinophils, which are a type of white blood cell. Normally, only 1% to 3% of white blood cells are eosinophils and these cells are found primarily in the gastrointestinal mucosa. When they accumulate in the blood or other tissues, they can cause symptoms. Eosinophilia is often caused by parasitic infections, cancer and allergic diseases such as asthma. Effective drug treatments include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, interferon alfa, leukotriene inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies against interleukin-5.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1998
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Abnormal clones of T cells producing interleukin-5 in idiopathic eosinophilia
Article Abstract:
Some people with eosinophila may have abnormal T cells that are stimulating the production of eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell and when they are present in excess amounts, the person has eosinophilia. Researchers analyzed T cells from blood samples taken from 60 people with eosinophilia of unknown cause. Sixteen had abnormal T cells and in half the cases, the T cell receptor was abnormal. The abnormal T cells produced large amounts of interleukin-5, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that stimulates the production of eosinophils.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1999
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Eosinophilia -- idiopathic or not?
Article Abstract:
Some doctors believe eosinophilia is a precursor of leukemia and others believe it is caused by some other disease. Some patients have been shown to have leukemia based on the identification of chromosomal abnormalities. Some types of eosinophilia do eventually become leukemia, but it may take 20 years. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can also cause eosinophilia. A 1999 study found that 16 patients with eosinophilia had abnormal T cells that were secreting interleukin-5. Interleukin-5 is a naturally occurring substance in the body that stimulates the production of eosinophils.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1999
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