Abstract
Atopy has been said to make C/F clinically both better and worse. Since many of the symptoms of C/F resemble respiratory allergy,It is difficult to determine the presence of atopy in C/F on clinical grounds alone.Thirty-two C/F patients(13 males, 19 females;7-23 yrs.)of varying severity(scores 47-94)were studied to determine the presence of Type I (IgE mediated)hypersensitivity. Scratch and intradermal tests with 40 allergens(epidermoids,dust, mite, pollens, molds), peripheral eosinophil and basophil counts, and serum IgE levels (PRIST) were done. Sputum was cultured for fungus.
Eight(25%) patients were sensitive to grass and/or ragweed. Twenty-three(72%)were sensitive to mold spores. Thirteen(41%)were sensitive to Aspergillus fumigatus. Eight(8/26=3l%)had positive sputum cultures for Aspergillus fumigatus. Five(16%)had serum IgE levels greater than normal (>122 U/ml.).
Patients were grouped according to severity(I)n=11, score < 80; (II)n=21,score > 81. There was no relationship between IgE levels, eosinophil or basophil counts and severity of disease. Group I was more atopic when one of the criteria used for determining atopy was 5 or more positive skin tests (p < .05). These were usually due to mold allergens.
Atopy occurs frequently in C/F and more commonly in the more severe C/F patients. Whether atopy is the cause or result of C/F severity remains to be determined. If the result, then a damaged and colonized respiratory tract may facilitate the development of atopy in C/F.
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Schwartz, R., Nelson, L., C Callarame, M. et al. ATOPY IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS(C/F). Pediatr Res 11, 578 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01250
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01250