[Sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus and functional outcome of asthma]
R Benghida1, H Ghezzo, J L Malo
1Service de pneumologie, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Canada.
Introduction:
Despite a high prevalence in the asthmatic population, sensitization to Aspergillus has not benefited from the same research interest as the other mould species. This study aims at investigating the role of the presence or the absence of Aspergillus sensitization in the deterioration of airway caliber in asthmatics over a five-year follow-up.
Material And Methods:
One hundred and thirty-three asthmatic subjects aged 18 to 40 years were separated into two groups: those sensitized (cases) and those not sensitized (controls) to Aspergillus were matched according to the following criteria: age, gender and FEV1 (% pred). Clinical, functional, allergic and therapeutic parameters were studied.
Results:
The FEV1 slope was less pronounced in the group sensitized to Aspergillus (-17 mL/year) in comparison to the controls (27 mL/year). There was also a less noticeable slope of forced vital capacity in the sensitized subjects (-25 mL/year) as compared to the controls (28 mL/year). All of these differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusion:
We did not find any increase in the decline in FEV1 or FVC associated with sensitization to Aspergillus.
Insights
This study found no significant difference in lung function decline in asthmatics sensitized to Aspergillus compared to those not sensitized. Aspergillus sensitization did not appear to worsen airway caliber deterioration over five years.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Allergy Immunology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Aspergillus sensitization is common in asthma but under-researched compared to other molds.
- Investigating Aspergillus's impact on asthma progression is crucial for understanding disease heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Aspergillus sensitization affects airway caliber decline in asthma patients over five years.
- To compare lung function changes between Aspergillus-sensitized and non-sensitized asthma groups.
Main Methods:
- 133 adult asthmatics (18-40 years) were divided into Aspergillus-sensitized (cases) and non-sensitized (controls) groups.
- Groups were matched for age, gender, and baseline FEV1 (% pred).
- Clinical, functional, allergic, and therapeutic parameters were assessed over a five-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- The rate of decline in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) was -17 mL/year in sensitized subjects versus 27 mL/year in controls.
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) decline was -25 mL/year in sensitized subjects compared to 28 mL/year in controls.
- These differences in FEV1 and FVC decline slopes were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- No statistically significant increase in FEV1 or FVC decline was associated with Aspergillus sensitization.
- Aspergillus sensitization did not demonstrate a significant impact on airway caliber deterioration in this asthma cohort over five years.
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