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Quantification of atopy, lung function and airway hypersensitivity in adults
Susana Marinho1, Angela Simpson, Paul Marsden
1The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK. susana.marinho@manchester.ac.uk.
Clinical and Translational Allergy
|March 14, 2012
Summary
Quantitative atopy, measured by specific serum IgE (sIgE) or skin prick tests (SPT), is linked to reduced lung function and increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in adults. This suggests atopy is a spectrum, not just present or absent.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Allergy
Background:
- Childhood studies link specific serum IgE (sIgE) and skin test size to wheezing and reduced lung function.
- Limited adult research exists on quantitative atopy's impact on lung function and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between quantitative atopy and lung function/AHR in a large UK adult cohort.
Main Methods:
- 983 adults underwent spirometry (FEV1, FVC) and methacholine challenge for AHR.
- Atopic status assessed via sIgE and skin prick tests (SPT) for common inhalant allergens.
- Indoor allergen exposure was also measured.
Main Results:
- Increasing sIgE levels to mites, cats, and dogs correlated with lower FEV1.
- Larger SPT wheal diameters showed significant associations with poorer lung function.
- These associations persisted even when using standard sensitization definitions.
Conclusions:
- In adults, quantitative atopy (sIgE levels, SPT size) is associated with decreased lung function and increased AHR.
- Atopy may be better understood as a continuous spectrum rather than a dichotomous state.
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