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The link between mold sensitivity and asthma severity in a cohort of northern Chinese patients
Yanliang Ma1, Guizhen Tian1, Fei Tang1
11 Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China ; 2 Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The 263 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Beijing 101100, China.
Background:
Mold sensitivity in asthmatic patients has recently attracted clinical interest; however the links between mold sensitivity and asthma severity in the Chinese population have been poorly characterized. In this study, we assess the relationship between asthma severity and airborne mold sensitivity in a cohort of northern Chinese patients.
Methods:
Ninety-three non-smoking adult outpatients with asthma completed a questionnaire and underwent skin prick testing with five aeroallergens. For all patients, eosinophil cell counts, total serum IgE (sIgE) levels, and pulmonary function were measured. An asthma severity score was calculated based on the patient's forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), number of asthma attacks, number of hospital admissions, and use of inhaled or oral corticosteroids in the past year.
Results:
Ninety-three patients were divided into three groups based on the results of their allergy tests: negative results for all tested allergens (group A, n=32); positive reactions to aeroallergens including mold antigens (group B, n=41); and positive reactions to aeroallergens other than molds (group C, n=20). Patients in group B had a lower FEV1 (74.46%±23.09% predicted) compared with group A (85.52%±19.53%, P=0.023). Patients in both group B and C had elevated absolute eosinophil count (AEC) (group A: 3.12%±2.71%, group B: 5.41%±2.85%, group C: 6.1%±4.49%; group A vs. group B, P=0.008; group A vs. group C, P=0.002), and total sIgE values (group A: 117.36±144.90 IU/mL, group B: 195.86±155.87 IU/mL, group C: 253.31±152.41 IU/mL; group A vs. group B, P=0.031; group A vs. group C, P=0.002) compared with patients in group A. Asthma severity scores were higher in patients in group B compared to patients in group C (7 vs. 5.5, P<0.05). Patients allergic to molds were more likely to have severe asthma [odds ratio 3.636, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.394 to 9.484; for severe versus mild asthma, P<0.05]. There was no association between asthma severity and sensitisation to house mites or weeds.
Conclusions:
Mold sensitivity is positively correlated with asthma severity in our cohort of northern Chinese patients.
Insights
Mold sensitivity is linked to increased asthma severity in northern Chinese adults. Patients allergic to molds showed poorer lung function and higher asthma severity scores.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Allergology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Mold sensitivity is a growing concern in asthma management.
- Limited data exists on mold sensitivity and asthma severity in the Chinese population.
- This study investigates the association in northern Chinese asthmatic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between airborne mold sensitivity and asthma severity.
- To assess clinical and immunological markers associated with mold sensitivity in asthmatics.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-three non-smoking adult asthmatic outpatients were enrolled.
- Skin prick testing, eosinophil counts, total serum IgE, and pulmonary function tests were performed.
- Asthma severity was scored based on FEV1, exacerbations, hospitalizations, and medication use.
Main Results:
- Patients with mold sensitivity (Group B) exhibited lower FEV1 compared to controls (Group A).
- Elevated absolute eosinophil counts and total serum IgE were observed in mold-sensitive patients.
- Mold-allergic patients had significantly higher asthma severity scores and were more likely to have severe asthma.
Conclusions:
- Mold sensitivity is positively correlated with increased asthma severity in northern Chinese adults.
- Airborne mold allergens represent a significant factor in asthma exacerbation and severity within this population.
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