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Bronchial reactivity in cystic fibrosis with normal pulmonary function
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|September 1, 1981
Summary
In children with cystic fibrosis and mild lung disease, heightened bronchial reactivity may indicate coexistent asthma, especially in younger, atopic patients with high histamine sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) primarily affects the lungs, leading to progressive lung disease.
- Assessing coexistent asthma in CF patients with preserved pulmonary function is clinically important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if heightened bronchial reactivity in children with CF and relatively normal lung function suggests coexistent asthma.
Main Methods:
- Histamine provocation testing was performed on 20 children with CF (forced expiratory volume ≥70% predicted).
- Responders were compared to non-responders based on age, clinical asthma, atopy, and lung volumes.
Main Results:
- 40% (8/20) of children with CF demonstrated heightened bronchial reactivity.
- Responders were younger, had more clinical asthma, were all atopic, and had a higher residual volume/total lung capacity ratio.
- Four responders exhibited histamine sensitivity comparable to asthmatic patients.
Conclusions:
- Heightened bronchial reactivity in children with CF and mild lung disease can be a marker for coexistent asthma.
- High histamine sensitivity strengthens the likelihood of asthma in this population.