Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2006 Sep;26(3):206-212.

Effect of Coexistence of Atopic Dermatitis on Eosinophilic Lower Airway Inflammation in Mild Persistent Asthma

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Atopic dermatitis is a risk factor for the development, severity, and persistence of childhood asthma. We performed this study to investigate the effect of coexistence of atopic dermatitis on eosinophilic lower airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in mild persistent asthma. METHOD: Sixsty-four patients with asthma without atopic dermatitis and 94 patients with asthma and atopic dermatitis were enrolled in this study. Sputum induction test, the methacholine challenge test and MAST CLA Korea Panel were performed. Sputum eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), sputum eosinophils and allergen sensitization were compared between the groups. Bronchial responsiveness (BR) index for bronchial hyperresponsiveness was determined and compared between the groups. RESULT: The risk of sensitization to food and house dust mite allergen was higher in asthmatics with atopic dermatitis than in asthmatics without atopic dermatitis. In asthmatics with atopic dermatitis, sputum eosinophils and ECP level, BR index were significantly higher than in asthmatics without atopic dermatitis. The severity of atopic dermatitis significantly correlated with BR index and sputum eosinophils in asthmatics with atopic dermatitis.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that bronchial hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilic lower airway inflammation may be higher in asthmatics with atopic dermatitis than in asthmatics without atopic dermatitis and influenced by the severity of atopic dermatitis.

MeSH Terms

Asthma*
Dermatitis, Atopic*
Eosinophils*
Humans
Inflammation*
Korea
Methacholine Chloride
Pyroglyphidae
Risk Factors
Sputum
Methacholine Chloride