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Immunologic & pulmonary function abnormalities in tropical pulmonary eosinophilia
S K Sharma1, J N Pande, G C Khilnani
1Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) patients exhibit mild lung function impairment and hypoxemia. Their peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid show elevated immunoglobulins and eosinophilic alveolitis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
- Respiratory Diseases
Background:
- Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) is a parasitic lung infection characterized by eosinophilic infiltration.
- Understanding the immunological and physiological changes in TPE is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pulmonary function, arterial blood gas levels, and immunological markers in patients with TPE.
- To compare these parameters with healthy controls and explore potential pathogenetic mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Studied 26 TPE patients and healthy volunteers.
- Performed arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests, peripheral blood counts, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).
- Assessed serum and BAL fluid levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), complement components (C3, CH50), and fibronectin (FN).
Main Results:
- TPE patients showed mild restrictive ventilatory defect with airway obstruction and mild hypoxemia.
- Significantly elevated serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels were observed in TPE patients.
- BAL fluid revealed increased levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, and fibronectin, indicating eosinophilic alveolitis.
Conclusions:
- TPE is associated with distinct pulmonary function abnormalities and hypoxemia.
- Elevated immunoglobulins in serum and BAL fluid are characteristic of TPE.
- Increased fibronectin in BAL fluid suggests a potential role in fibrosis, requiring further investigation.