Neves MCLC, Neves YCS, Mendes CMC, Bastos MN, Camelier AA, Queiroz CF, Mendoza BF, Lemos ACM, D'Oliveira Junior A. Evaluation of atopy in patients with COPD.
J Bras Pneumol 2014;
39:296-305. [PMID:
23857681 PMCID:
PMC4075840 DOI:
10.1590/s1806-37132013000300006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of atopy and to evaluate clinical, laboratory, and radiological profiles in patients with COPD.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study involving outpatients with stable COPD (defined by the clinical history and a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 70% of the predicted value). The patients completed a questionnaire regarding clinical characteristics and atopy, after which they underwent nasal lavage cytology, skin prick testing, chest X-rays, arterial blood gas analyses, and determination of total serum IgE.
RESULTS
Of the 149 subjects studied, 53 (35.6%), 49 (32.8%), and 88 (59.1%) presented with nasal eosinophilia, a positive skin prick test result, and symptoms of allergic rhinitis, respectively. Correspondence analysis confirmed these findings, showing two distinct patterns of disease expression: atopy in patients with COPD that was less severe; and no evidence of atopy in those with COPD that was more severe (reduced FEV1 and hyperinflation). There was a statistically significant association between nasal eosinophilia and a positive bronchodilator response.
CONCLUSIONS
Using simple and reproducible methods, we were able to show that there is a high frequency of atopy in patients with COPD. Monitoring inflammation in the upper airways can be a useful tool for evaluating respiratory diseases in the elderly and in those with concomitant asthma and COPD, a clinical entity not yet fully understood.
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