Total serum IgE level in COPD patients

ObjectiveThe Dutch Hypothesis has been used to suggest that Asthma and COPD may be considered as different expressions of one disease entity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the levels of IgE in COPD patients and its relation with respiratory symptoms and lung functions this may be a suggestive of atopy as a mechanism for initiation of their exacerbations.MethodsA cross-sectional case-control study was conducted on 50 subjects recruited from the outpatient clinic (11 healthy volunteers, 39 diagnosed as COPD) COPD patients (31 males (79%) and 8 females (21%)) diagnosed as mild, moderate and severe. The studied groups were also divided according to total serum IgE levels and compared in demographic data, clinical data, spirometric data, and HRCT findings.ResultsCOPD patients with elevated IgE had a longer history of illness, high smoking index, higher number of exacerbation in the last year, and more lower FEV1.HRCT finding in both groups was hyperinflation was high in COPD patients with normal IgE levels, 10 cases (45%), while bronchiectasis was higher in COPD patients with elevated IgE, 7 cases (41%). Sputum culture was positive for aspergillosis in 5 cases (29%) in COPD patients with elevated IgE.ConclusionsThere was a high prevalence of elevated serum T-IgE in patients with COPD but without obvious atopy. Serum T-IgE levels were found to be associated with symptoms such as dyspnea and impairment of lung function. Recurrent exacerbation of COPD is believed to accelerate disease progression and impairment of pulmonary function.