The prevalence of cutaneous hypersensitivity and its relationship to Pseudomonas colonization and outcome in cystic fibrosis

Environmental allergies and respiratory morbidities in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by recurrent respiratory infections and progressive lung disease. Although environmental factors account for 50% of the variation in CF lung function, few specific exposures have been identified. Studies using small study samples focusing on environmental allergies in CF have had inconsistent results. Our objective was to examine the role of environmental allergies in upper and lower respiratory tract morbidities in CF.

METHODS

A total of 1,321 subjects with CF were recruited through the U.S. CF Twin-Sibling Study. Questionnaires were used to determine the presence/absence of environmental allergies. Questionnaires, chart review, and U.S. CF Foundation Patient Registry data were used to track outcomes.

RESULTS

Within the study sample 14% reported environmental allergies. Environmental allergies were associated with a higher risk of sinus disease (adjusted OR: 2.68; P < 0.001) and nasal polyps (adjusted OR: 1.74; P = 0.003). Environmental allergies were also associated with a more rapid decline in lung function (additional -1.1%/year; P = 0.001). However, allergies were associated with a later median age of acquisition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.6 years vs. 4.4 years; log rank P = 0.027). The reported use of common allergy medications, anti-histamines and leukotriene inhibitors, did not alter the frequency of respiratory morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Environmental allergies are associated with an increased risk of sinus disease and nasal polyps and a more rapid decline in CF lung function, but may have a protective effect against the acquisition of P. aeruginosa. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations which have implications for more aggressive management of allergies.

A unique presentation of calcinosis cutis in a patient with cystic fibrosis after double lung transplants

Calcinosis cutis is the deposition of insoluble calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. We report the case of a 28-year-old Caucasian woman with cystic fibrosis in whom strikingly symmetrical and reticulate calcinosis cutis developed on the lower extremities, which was noted on histology to spare the eccrine glands. Careful review of the literature fails to reveal any previous report with these remarkable cutaneous and histologic manifestations.