The influence of atopy on cystic fibrosis course in children

Abstract

The course of cystic fibrosis (CF) depends on the influence of different modifying factors. One of these factors is atopy. The role of atopy in CF course is incompletely determined today and requires further study. The purpose of the study: to improve medical care for patients with CF by clarifying the pathogenetic role of atopy in the disease course. Materials and methods. Analysis of data from a clinical and paraclinical examination of 42 children with CF in the Kharkiv region. Patients were divided into two groups: with an elevated level of total immunoglobulin E (n=19) and with a normal level of this indicator (n=23) to determine the features of CF course depending on the atopy presence. Results and discussion. In the group with elevated and normal levels of total serum IgE, boys were predominant, as in the general population, and accounted for 73.6% and 60.8%, respectively. The first manifestations of CF were represented mainly by intestinal signs in both groups at 68.4% and 73.9% of cases, respectively. Data analysis of the clinical features of CF course in children with elevated level of IgE (severity of lung and liver lesions) revealed results without significant differences between groups. High level of sensitivity to ordinary domestic, food and pollen allergens was not detected in children of group with elevated level of IgE. Patients with CF and atopy were found to have a probable increase in the levels of CD3, IgM, spontaneous NBT; phagocytosis of latex; decreasing in the levels of CD4, IgA compared to the group with a normal level of total IgE. Conclusion. Features of the CF phenotype associated with the atopy were analyzed. The received data can be used when determining the treatment algorithm, taking into account the individual characteristics of the disease course.