Frequency of IgE-dependent hypersensitivity to moulds in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps

Moulds and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins are relevant allergens to affect Type 2 inflammation and clinical outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis patients

Background

Sensitisation to moulds and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins (SEs) is associated with the pathophysiology of both asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The purpose of this study was to clarify the contribution of sensitisation to these allergens to Type 2 inflammation in the blood, nose and the lower airways, and clinical outcomes in CRS patients.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 56 CRS patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) (20 with comorbid asthma) and 28 healthy controls between October 2015 and December 2017. CRS patients were followed up for 12 months after surgery. Type 2 inflammation-related biomarkers were analysed using blood, resected tissue samples and sputum. 10 allergens including Alternaria, Aspergillus and SEs were measured. Type 2 inflammation-related biomarkers and clinical outcomes were compared in the stratification with the presence or absence of allergen sensitisation.

Results

Sensitisation rate to moulds and SEs in asthmatic patients was increased when changing the cut-off value of specific IgE titre from 0.35 UA·mL⁻¹ to 0.10 UA·mL⁻¹ (1.7- and 4.5-fold, respectively). Moulds and SEs affected the prevalence of asthma and eosinophilic CRS by interacting with each other. All Type 2 inflammation-related biomarkers except for eosinophils in sinus tissue were significantly higher in patients with mould or SE (mould/SE) sensitisation (≥0.10 UA·mL⁻¹) (n=19) than in those without (n=37) and healthy subjects (all p<0.05). Meanwhile, mould/SE sensitisation did not affect longitudinal changes in clinical outcomes after ESS. Changes in serum mould/SE-IgE levels after ESS remained unclear.

Conclusion

Mould/SE sensitisation (≥0.10 UA·mL⁻¹) may affect the development of Type 2 inflammation and clinical outcomes in CRS patients.

Alternaria,Aspergillusand S. aureus enterotoxins are important allergens affecting Type 2 inflammation and clinical outcomes in CRS patients. Sensitisation to moulds/SEs (≥0.10 UA·mL⁻¹) would be meaningful in the pathophysiology of CRS.https://bit.ly/3bUG8ZT

Clinical Distinctness of Allergic Rhinitis in Patients with Allergy to Molds

Introduction. Molds are a very diverse group of allergens. Exposure and sensitization to fungal allergens can promote the development and worsening of allergic rhinitis (AR). Objective. The natural course of allergic rhinitis was compared between a group of patients with allergy to molds and patients with AR to other allergens as the control groups. Material and Methods. The study group consisted of 229 patients, with a mean age of 27.4 ± 6.5 yrs. The study group was compared to groups of AR patients with allergy to house dust mites or pollens or with multivalent allergy. Allergic sensitization was assessed using the skin prick test (SPT) with a panel of 15 allergens to molds and other common inhalant allergens. Specific IgEs against all tested allergens were measured. Nasal fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) level was assessed with a chemiluminescence analyzer (NIOX MINO) and compared between groups. Cluster analysis was performed for determine models of AR in whole population. Results. Patients with allergy to mold have had AR with a higher blockage of nose than in the patients with other allergies. Alternaria alternata (59% of examined), Cladosporium herbarum (40%), and Aspergillus fumigatus (36%) were the predominant allergens in the study group. Patients with allergy to mold were more often present in two clusters: there were patients with more frequent accompanying asthma and high level of FeNO. Conclusion. Patients with allergy to molds have a significantly greater predisposition for bronchial asthma and high concentration of FeNO.

Prevalence of IgE-mediated allergy and evaluation of Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in patients with severe bronchial asthma

Introduction

The pathogenesis of asthma remains unclear, especially in cases of the severe disease.

Aim

To explore IgE-mediated inhalant sensitization in severe asthma compared with a group of patients with chronic mild disease and evaluate the Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in asthma by different disease severities.

Material and methods

One hundred and fifty-four patients (age range: 28–69) with severe chronic asthma (study group) and 141 patients with chronic mild disease (control group) diagnosed according to GINA criteria were included in the study. Seventy-eight severe asthmatics and 43 subjects with mild disease were randomly selected for serum Th1/Th2 cytokine level estimation. The groups were matched in terms of age and atopy features (skin prick tests, specific and total serum IgE).

Results

Positive skin tests to at least one allergen were observed with comparable frequencies. Sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most prevalent positive result in both groups. An earlier onset of asthma together with a greater number of exacerbations was noted in severe asthmatics compared to patients with mild disease. Serum levels of interleukin 4 and 2 (IL-4 and IL-2) were detectable only in severe asthmatics irrespective of atopy features. The levels of interferon γ and tumour necrosis factor α were undetectable in both groups. IL-10 and IL-5 were detected in the serum of only 7 and 12 severe asthmatics, respectively.

Conclusions

The serum level of IL-2 and IL-4 could be perceived as a marker of severe asthma. Neither IL-2 nor IL-4 levels in the serum could differentiate allergic and non-allergic asthma.

Comparison of Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the differences in socioeconomic, demographic, and disease severity factors between patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and those with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS).

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed.

SETTING

The study was conducted at the hospital of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 186 patients were included (93 AFRS, 93 CRS with and without nasal polyps). Socio- economic and demographic data were obtained from the North Carolina State Data Center. Indicators of disease severity were measured by Lund-Mackay scores, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, diagnosis of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis, and the number of surgeries and computed tomography scans performed. Associations were analyzed with Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Pearson's correlations tests.

RESULTS

Compared with patients with AFRS, patients in both CRS groups were predominantly white (P < .0001), were older at the time of diagnosis (P < .0001), had higher county-based income per capita (P = .004), had lower quantitative serum IgE level (P < .001), and had lower Lund-Mackay scores (P < .0001). No associations between disease severity, socioeconomic status, and demographic factors were found within the CRS groups.

CONCLUSION

Within our cohort of patients residing in North Carolina, those with CRS have higher income, more access to primary care, and lower markers of disease severity than those with AFRS. These data continue to support the notion that AFRS merits classification as a distinct subtype of CRS.