[Respiratory function tests in aspirin-induced asthma]

Aspirin induced Asthma (AIA) is a syndrome, with typical clinical features. Aspirin and Nsaids induced Asthma is its distinctive characteristic.

Was to determine challenge and bronchodilator test usefulness, as well as its complications, in patients with Aspirin induced Asthma.

Prospective, open, transversal and comparative study of 20 patients divided in two groups of ten people each one group with an Aspirin induced Asthma antecedent, undertook a challenge and bronchodilator test, and the second group was composed of patients with extrinsic asthma which were exposed to a challenge test. All patients had a physical exam and laboratory test, besides paranasal and chest X-ray, allergic skin test and spirometry. Criteria used to make diagnosis of AIA were defined as a 15% decrease of FEV-1 in the both groups. Laboratory and other paraclinic studies were made in order to assess diagnosis and/or complications.

In the first group it was observed a 15% statistically significant decrease of FEV-1 and FEF 25-75 values (p < 0.05), on second group an statistically significant increase in FEV-1 values of more than 15% was observed in 7 patients (p < 0.05). In the control group no statistically significative changes were observed in the patients. The more frequent complications after challenge test were wheeze, dyspnea, cough and severe bronchospasm. Zero defunctions were reported.

The minimum dose to realize the diagnosis of AIA are 100 mg of aspirin. The FEV-1 decrease depend of dose of aspirin in patients with AIA. Patients with extrinsic asthma without an aspirin intolerance history, have non adverse effects with aspirin ingestion. Severe bronchospasm was the most severe complication in patients who underwent Aspirin challenge test who had an idiosyncrasy history.