[Evaluation of allergic inflammation parameters in bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with asthma]

The study was set up to evaluate the changes in broncho-alveolar lavage cell-count in asthmatics after bronchial provocation. Similarities and differences between atopic (A) and nonatopic (N) asthma were given a special concern. Twenty mild asthmatics--10 A and 10 N. There was no difference in BAL eosinophila between these groups before provocation. After provocation more eosinophils were found in A group (p = 0.06). Neutrophils were more numerous in N on both occasions--0 = 0.00003 and p = 0.006 respectively). Lymphocytes showed a similar pattern--p = 0.03, p = 0.003. A positive correlation between BAL eosinophilia and bronchial hyperreactivity was shown in both groups. Inflammation, including inflammatory cells plays a major role in bronchial asthma pathophysiology. It seems to be more expressed in nonatopic patients.