Genetic prediction of asthma increases multiple sepsis risks: A Mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Genetics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Observational studies suggest a link between asthma and sepsis, but causality is unclear.
• Asthma and sepsis are significant public health concerns with complex interactions.
• Understanding the causal relationship is crucial for effective clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causal relationship between asthma and various types of sepsis using Mendelian randomization (MR).
• To explore if asthma is a risk factor for developing sepsis.
• To determine if sepsis can cause or exacerbate asthma.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a large-scale genome-wide association study dataset to select single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for asthma as instrumental variables.
• Employed three MR methods: inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median.
• Conducted sensitivity analyses to assess pleiotropy and instrument validity, alongside reverse MR analysis.

Main Results:

• A causal link was found between asthma and an increased risk of overall sepsis (OR=1.18) and specific subtypes including streptococcal, pneumonia-related, pneumococcal, other sepsis, and ICU-acquired sepsis.
• Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, showing no significant heterogeneity or pleiotropy.
• Reverse MR analysis indicated no causal effect of sepsis on asthma development.

Conclusions:

• This study provides evidence for a causal relationship where asthma increases the risk of sepsis.
• Healthcare providers should be vigilant about sepsis risk in asthma patients.
• Timely preventive and intervention strategies are recommended for individuals with asthma.