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Allergic sensitization in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
S Itabashi1, T Fukushima, T Aikawa
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Allergic sensitization occurs in elderly patients with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), indicated by elevated serum IgE levels. These findings suggest allergic inflammation may contribute to COPD symptoms in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) is a significant health concern in the elderly.
- The role of allergic sensitization in COPD pathogenesis, particularly in older individuals, is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of allergic sensitization in elderly patients diagnosed with COPD.
- To compare allergic markers between elderly patients with COPD, bronchial asthma (BA), and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were measured.
- Skin prick tests for common allergens were performed.
- Participants included age-matched groups of normal subjects, patients with COPD, and patients with BA.
Main Results:
- Serum IgE levels were significantly higher in both COPD and BA patients compared to normal subjects.
- COPD patients exhibited serum IgE levels comparable to those of BA patients.
- Skin test reactivity was significantly higher in BA patients than in normal subjects and COPD patients.
- No significant correlation was found between IgE levels, skin test scores, and pulmonary function parameters (FEV1%, PaO2, PaCO2) or Brinkman's Index.
Conclusions:
- Elderly patients with COPD demonstrate evidence of allergic sensitization.
- Allergic inflammation may play a partial role in the symptomatology of COPD in the elderly.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of allergic sensitization in COPD management.