Atopic status in patients with sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder that is characterized by T helper 1 (Th1)-mediated immune response at the sites of disease. Studies showed that T cells derived from patients with sarcoidosis have been able to release Th2 cytokine profile. However, they are believed to be suppressed and nonactive. This study investigated the rate of atopy, a Th2 condition, in sarcoidosis. Atopic status was assessed in 41 patients (13 men and 28 women; mean age, 47.6 +/- 12.2 years) with sarcoidosis. Current history of atopic diseases, including asthma and allergic rhinitis, was assessed in clinical evaluation. Skin-prick tests were performed using a standardized panel. Total immunoglobulin E was measured by chemiluminescence automatic immunoassay. Results are discussed with the conjunction of previous epidemiological studies conducted in adult Turkish populations. Three patients (7%) had a diagnosis of asthma, whereas one patient (2%) had isolated allergic rhinitis. Skin-prick tests were positive in two patients (5%). This rate is much lower than the atopy prevalence in Turkey (5% versus 25%). Our data suggest that sarcoidosis may be associated with a lower incidence of atopy and allergic disease; further data are needed in other populations.