Impact of Schizophyllum sensitization on decline of lung function in asthma

There is increasing interest in the association between the severity of asthma and fungal sensitization, and lung function decline in relation to mold and dampness in the home has recently been reported. This study was performed to determine the correlation between sensitization to Schizophyllum commune and decline of lung function, and to elucidate the outcomes and risk factors, especially from Schizophyllum allergy.

The medical records of 50 patients with asthma who satisfied the following inclusion criteria were collected and reviewed retrospectively: (1) at least 5 years of follow-up with five evaluations; (2) intradermal skin tests including S. commune performed at the initial assessment; and (3) severity ranging from mild-to-moderate. Lung function decline (evaluated as adjusted delta FEV1/year) was compared in a cross-sectional manner with regard to gender, age, BMI, smoking habit, allergological characteristics and exacerbation frequency.

There were significant differences in lung function decline between females and males (p < 0.05), positive and negative results of late-phase skin reaction to S. commune (p < 0.001), and positive and negative late-phase skin reaction to Aspergillus (p < 0.05). Lung function decline was correlated with exacerbation frequency (r = 0.428, p = 0.002). On multiple regression analysis, the probability of lung function decline in asthma was found to be significantly associated with female gender and positive late-phase skin reaction against S. commune. Our results suggested that sensitization to S. commune may be one of the risk factors involved in lung function decline in asthmatic patients.