Study on the characteristics of Aspergillus fumigatus-sensitized asthma and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of Aspergillus fumigatus(A.f)-sensitized asthma and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), which provides a foundation for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of A.f-sensitized asthma and ABPA, as well as the prevention of ABPA. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective case-control study. Collected the clinical data of patients who visited the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from December 2018 to May 2022.A total of 122 patients were included, including 64 males (52.5%) and 58 females (47.5%).The age range was 3 to 89 years.The median age was 44 years.The average age was 41.8 years.The patients were divided into three groups (48 ABPA, 35 A.f-sensitized asthma and 39 HDM-sensitized asthma).Analyzed the differences and correlations among clinical indicators in the three groups, and evaluated the risk factors for the development of ABPA in A.f-sensitized asthma.For statistical analysis, metrological data was tested by t-test or Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney. Classification variables by chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Pearson correlation analysis for normal distribution data.Spearman correlation analysis for skewed distribution data. Influencing factor analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was made, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated, and the sensitivity and specificity of the model were evaluated. Results: Compared with patients with A.f-sensitized asthma, the fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) [75.00(52.00, 87.00)ppb vs. 40.00(32.00, 52.00)ppb], eosinophils% (EO%) [10.60(6.75, 13.05) vs. 4.10(1.20, 7.30)], eosinophils (EO) [1.50(1.07, 2.20)×109/L vs. 0.33(0.10, 0.54)×109/L], A.f-specific Immunoglobulin E (sIgE) [10.24(4.09, 22.88)KU/L vs. 1.13(0.53, 3.72) KU/L], and sIgE to total IgE(tIgE) ratio (sIgE/tIgE) [0.0049(0.0027, 0.0100) vs. 0.0008(0.0004, 0.0017)] were higher in ABPA patients, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). In all patients, tIgE was positively correlated with EO% (r=0.206, P<0.05) and EO (r=0.302, P<0.001). sIgE/tIgE was negatively correlated with one-second rate (FEV1/FVC%) (r=-0.256, P<0.01). The percentage of predicted forced vital capacity [FVC(%)] was negatively correlated with FeNO (r=-0.184, P<0.05).In the ABPA group, the percentage of predicted peak expiratory flow [PEF(%)] was negatively correlated with FeNO (r=-0.295, P<0.05). In the HDM-sensitized asthma group, FeNO was positively correlated with EO% (r=0.49, P<0.01) and EO (r=0.548, P<0.001).The results of logistic regression analysis showed that FeNO and EO were the influencing factors for the development of ABPA in A.f-sensitized asthma. ROC curve analysis results showed that A.f-sIgE (cut-off, 4.108; AUC=0.749;95%CI, 0.632-0.867), sIgE/tIgE(cut-off, 0.0026;AUC=0.749;95%CI, 0.631-0.868), FeNO(cut-off, 55.5;AUC=0.794; 95%CI, 0.687-0.900), EO% (cut-off, 8.70;AUC=0.806;95%CI, 0.709-0.903) and EO (cut-off, 0.815;AUC=0.865;95%CI, 0.779-0.950) had differential diagnostic value in A.f-sensitized asthma and ABPA.The combination of FeNO, EO and EO% had good diagnostic efficiency in differentiating A.f-sensitized asthma from ABPA, with a sensitivity of 91.4% and a specificity of 84.4%. Conclusion: Compared with patients with A.f-sensitized asthma, patients with ABPA have more severe eosinophil inflammation. The higher the FeNO and EO, the more likely A.f-sensitized asthma will develop into ABPA.sIgE/tIgE may have differential diagnostic value in A.f-sensitized asthma and ABPA.The combination of FeNO, EO and EO% has good diagnostic efficacy in differentiating A.f-sensitized asthma from ABPA.

Prevalencia de aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica en niños con fibrosis quística / Prevalence of bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in children with cystic fibrosis

La aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica (ABPA) es una reacción de hipersensibilidad secundaria al Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) que complica la evolución en fibrosis quística (FQ). Existen pocos estudios pediátricos de su prevalencia publicados en el mundo y en Chile se desconoce. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar la prevalencia de ABPA en niños con FQ en un hospital de referencia, explorar factores de riesgo y describir los criterios diagnósticos, tratamiento y evolución. Se incluyeron retrospectivamente los niños con FQ atendidos en un hospital terciario en Santiago de Chile (Hospital Roberto del Río) entre los años 2011 a 2019, se identificaron aquellos con diagnóstico de ABPA. Se registraron criterios diagnósticos según la Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, presencia de factores de riesgo, tratamientos recibidos y efectos adversos. De 65 pacientes con FQ atendidos en este período, la prevalencia de ABPA fue del 12%. El promedio de edad al diagnóstico fue ± 11 años (5-17 años), predominando la edad adolescente y el género masculino. El 50% cumplieron con los criterios clásicos, el 87,5% usaron antibióticos y el 62,5% corticoides inhalados. La respuesta favorable al tratamiento inicial con corticoides y antifúngico vía oral fue 62,5%, con una exacerbación al momento del estudio. El 25% se comportaron como refractario y el 12,5% respondieron a tratamiento con pulsos de metilprednisolona. El 37,5% presentaron eventos adversos relacionados a corticoides. La prevalencia de ABPA observada es comparable a las series publicadas. Se necesitan trabajos prospectivos para conocer la prevalencia nacional y su tendencia a lo largo de los años, identificando factores de riesgo.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity response to Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) and worsens outcome in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Its prevalence varies in the literature, but we do not know it in Chile. The aim of the study was to know the prevalence of ABPA in children with CF and to describe risk factors, diagnostic criteria, treatment and outcome. We included all patients with CF seen in a tertiary hospital in Santiago, Chile (Hospital Roberto del Río), between 2011 and 2019; ABPA cases (CF Foundation diagnostic criteria) were identified for the estimation of the prevalence. Risk factors, diagnostic criteria and treatment were recorded, as proposed by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. A total of 65 patients with CF were identified in the study period, with a prevalence of 12% (8 cases). Mean age at diagnosis ± 11 years (5-17), more frequent in adolescence and male. CF Foundation criteria diagnostic were identified in 50% of cases, with high frequency of antibiotic use (87,5%) and inhaled steroids (62,5%). Positive oral steroids and antifungal treatment response was 62,5%. Refractary response was 25% and 12,5% needed intravenous metilprednisolone pulses. A 37,5% of cases presented adverse effects to steroids. Prevalence of ABPA is comparable to literature. A prospective study is needed to identified national prevalence and trends, identifying risks factors.

Asma crítica asociada a aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica: reporte de un caso

RESUMEN El síndrome de asma crítica es la peor consecuencia de una exacerbación aguda de asma. La aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica es una de las patologías más frecuentes que se mimetizan con este síndrome y está asociada a un alto riesgo de mortalidad cuando no se realiza el diagnóstico oportuno en pacientes asmáticos de difícil control. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 15 años que ingresó a la unidad de cuidados intensivos con clínica de asma crítica, donde se hizo un diagnóstico de aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica y respondió favorablemente con voriconazol y corticoides. En nuestro medio se debe considerar el diagnóstico de aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica en todo paciente con clínica de asma crítica o con una enfermedad pulmonar crónica de difícil control; el diagnóstico y el tratamiento oportunos mejoran la calidad de vida y el pronóstico de los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Critical asthma syndrome is the most severe consequence of an acute asthma exacerbation. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is one of the most frequent pathologies that mimic critical asthma syndrome and is associated with a high mortality risk when timely diagnosis is not achieved in difficult-to-control asthmatic patients. We present the case of a 15-year-old male who was admitted to the intensive care unit with critical asthma signs and symptoms, where a diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis was made. He responded favorably with voriconazole and corticoids. In our context, the diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis should be considered in all patients with critical asthma or with a chronic lung disease that is difficult to control. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the quality of life and prognosis of patients.

Bronquiectasias no fibrosis quística: desde la infancia a la adultez: enfoque diagnostico y terapéutico / Bronchiectasis no cystic fibrosis: from childhood to adult: diagnostic and therapeutic approach

Bronchiectasis is a suppurative lung disease with heterogeneous phenotypic characteristics. It is defined as abnormal dilation of the bronchi, losing the existing relationship between bronchial sizes and accompanying artery. According to their form, they can be cylindrical, varicose, saccular or cystic. According to its location, they could be diffuse or localized. The diagnosis of bronchiectasis is usually suspected in patients with chronic cough, mucopurulent bronchorrea, and recurrent respiratory infections. The etiology can be varied, being able to classify in cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, when there is cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene mutation and not cystic fibrosis, being post infectious the most frequent. Its relationship with childhood is unknown. Severe respiratory infections can predispose in a susceptible subject the so-called theory of the "vicious circle" and the development of these. Persistent bacterial bronchitis in children has been described as a probable cause of not cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in adults. The treatment is based on the management of symptoms and the prevention of exacerbations. The evidence is poor and many treatments are extrapolated from cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. We are going to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in adults.

La bronquiectasia es una enfermedad pulmonar supurativa con características fenotípicas heterogéneas. Se define como la dilatación anormal de los bronquios, perdiendo la relación existente entre tamaño bronquial y arteria que acompaña. Según su forma, pueden ser clasificadas en cilíndricas, varicosas, saculares o quísticas y según su etiología presentarse de forma difusa o localizada. El diagnóstico de bronquiectasias se sospecha generalmente en pacientes con tos crónica, broncorrea mucosa, mucupurulenta e infecciones respiratorias recurrentes. La etiología es variada, pudiendo clasificarse en bronquiectasias fibrosis quística, aquellas que se encuentran en el contexto de la mutación del gen regulador transmembrana de fibrosis quística (CFTR) y no fibrosis quística, de etiologías diversas, siendo post infecciosas la gran mayoría. No se conoce con certeza su relación con la infancia, es sabido que infecciones respiratorias severas pueden predisponer en un sujeto susceptible, a la llamada teoría del "circulo vicioso" y el desarrollo de estas. La bronquitis bacteriana persistente en niños se ha descrito como una causa probable del desarrollo de bronquiectasias no fibrosis quística en adultos. El tratamiento se basa en el manejo de los síntomas y la prevención de las exacerbaciones. La evidencia es escasa y la mayoría de las terapias se han investigado en las bronquiectasias tipo fibrosis quística. En este trabajo se explicará el enfrentamiento diagnóstico y terapéutico de los adultos portadores de bronquiectasias no fibrosis quística.

Aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica en un adolescente: reporte de un caso / Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in an adolescent: case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica es una enfermedad poco frecuente con prevalencia de 1 a 2 por ciento a nivel mundial. Se diagnostica según Infectious Diseases Society of America por: episodios de obstrucción bronquial, eosinofilia periférica, test de reactividad cutánea a antígeno de Aspergillus, precipitación de anticuerpos para el antígeno de Aspergillus, elevación de IgE en suero, historia de infiltrados pulmonares y bronquiectasias centrales. Puede atravesar estadios de asmaaguda sensible a corticosteroides hasta estadios finales de fibrosis pulmonar. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Joven de 22 años acude al Instituto de Previsión Social, Hospital Central en la ciudad de Asunción, en donde es internado por malestar general, tos con expectoración amarillenta, sibilancias, sensación febril y dificultad respiratoria, con diagnóstico de ingreso de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad y enfermedad tipo influenza, que responde al tratamiento sintomático. Se practica una radiografía simple de tórax donde se observa un patrón algodonoso bilateral. Un mes después, acude de nuevo al Hospital Central por persistencia del cuadro con eosinofilia periférica de 60 por ciento, frotis de heces sin reporte de parásitos, IgE total en suero 530 KIU/L, tomografía axial computarizada con infiltrado pulmonar difuso bilateral, test de reactividad cutánea a antígeno de Aspergillus positivo y precipitación de anticuerpos para el antígeno de Aspergillus positivo. Se trató con prednisona e itraconazol por 16semanas, obteniéndose buena respuesta; tres meses después de suspender el tratamiento no manifiesta síntomas. DISCUSIÓN: Ante pacientes internados por cuadros respiratorios presistentes es necesario un diagnóstico temprano y adecuado con el objetivo de evitar secuelas posteriores.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosisis a rare disease with a prevalence of 1 to 2 percent worldwide. It is diagnosed according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America by: episodes of bronchial obstruction, peripheral eosinophilia, positive skin-prick test to Aspergillus antigen, precipitating antibodies to Aspergillus antigen, elevated serum IgE, history of pulmonary infiltrates and central bronchiectasis. It can go through stages of corticosteroid-sensitive acute asthma to end-stage pulmonary fibrosis. CASE REPORT: A 22 year old man goes to Instituto de Prevision Social, Hospital Central de Asuncion, where is hospitalized accompanied by general malaise, cough with yellow sputum, wheezing, feverish feeling andshortness of breath, with admission diagnosis of Community Acquired Pneumonia and influenza-like illness that responds to symptomatic treatment. Chest radiography shows a bilateral cottony pattern. A month later, a persistence of the symptoms is observed with 60 percent peripheral eosinophilia, faeces smear is reported without parasites, total serum IgE 530 KIU / L chest, computed tomography with diffuse bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, positive skin antigen reactivity test for Aspergillus, positive precipitating antibodies to Aspergillus species. He was treated with prednisone and itraconazole for 16 weeks, with good response. Three months after treatment there are no symptoms. DISCUSSION: Patients hospitalized for persistently respiratory symptoms, early diagnosis is necessary and appropriate in order to prevent sequelae.

Complicações em pacientes com fibrose cística / Complication of cystic fibrosis

A Fibrose Cística é uma doença genética, complexa, que compromete principalmente os aparelhos respiratório e digestivo. O diagnóstico precoce e o avanço das estratégias terapêuticas têm levado a um marcado aumento da sobrevida; no entanto, as complicações respiratórias e digestivas têm contribuído significativamente para importante morbimortalidade especialmente nos pacientes adultos. A progressão da doença respiratória pode causar complicações tais como hemoptise, pneumotórax e reações de hipersensibilidade pela colonização da via aérea por fungos. A doença gastrintestinal pode também ser complicada pela síndrome da obstrução intestinal distal.

Cystic Fibrosis is a complex genetic disease that damages especially the respiratory and the digestive systems. An early diagnosis and the advances in therapeutic strategies have led to a remarkable increase in survival rates. However, respiratory and digestive complications still contribute significantly to important mortality, especially in adult patients. The progress of respiratory disease may result in complications such as hemoptysis, pneumothorax and hypersensibility reactions due to fungi colonization of the airways. The gastrintestinal disease has also led to complications such as the distal intestinal obstruction disease.

La aspergilosis pulmonar invasiva en la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a severe disease, specially among immunocompromised patients. Its frequency increases in other patients such as those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), mainly when steroids are prescribed. The most common form of presentation is a respiratory tract infection with poor response to antimicrobial treatment. The delay in its diagnosis is one of the main causes of its high lethality. Once suspected, respiratory secretion cultures, chest X ray examination and computed tomography should be obtained and galactomannan, a marker of hematogenous dissemination of the microorganism, should be determined. Although the repeated isolation of Aspergillus spp is suggestive of invasive disease, the definitive diagnosis requires cytopathological confirmation. Further studies should be performed in these patients, since the available information was obtained from the observations made in immunocompromised patients, and may not be applicable accurately to API among COPD patients.

Is pulmonary aspergillosis common in diabetes mellitus patients?

Aspergillosis is a rapidly progressive, often fatal infection that occurs in severely immunosuppressed patients, including those who are profoundly neutropenic, recipients of bone marrow or solid organ transplants and patients with leukemia, lymphoma, advanced AIDS or phagocytic disorders such as chronic granulomatous disease. Patients with severe liver disease are at a higher risk for infections. Immunocompetent individuals rarely develop this infection and do so only in the presence of pulmonary and systemic abnormalities such as fibrotic lung disease, suppurative infection or when they are on corticosteroids. We present 2 cases of pulmonary aspergillosis in diabetic patients. They presented with cough and dyspnea. Aspergillus was found in obtained respiratory samples. Pulmonary aspergillosis was confirmed in our first case by transbronchial lung biopsy [TBLB] and Galactomannan assay. In the second case, diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis was established by thoracic CT guided biopsy plus Galactomannan assay. These patients had none of the suggested risk factors for Aspergillus infection but they had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. This report highlights that pulmonary aspergillosis can occur in individuals with diabetes mellitus even in the absence of other risk factors such as corticosteroid use, severe granulocytopenia or other associated immunosuppressive factors. It is; therefore, valuable to recognize that in patients with diabetes mellitus pulmonary aspergillosis should be considered as an important differential diagnosis for respiratory problems

Aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica en pediatría / Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in childhood

La aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica (ABPA) es una complicación importante en niños portadores de asma atópica, fibrosis quística (FQ) y otras enfermedades pulmonares crónicas asociadas a bronquiectasias. Esta afección es el resultado de la colonización de la vía aérea por Aspergilus, habitualmente fumigatus, produce una reacción de hipersensibilidad tipo Th2CD4 con la producción de IgE total y específica. El diagnóstico debe sospecharse en pacientes que presenten secreciones bronquiales en moldes café, aparición o aumento de sibilancias, infiltrados pulmonares y reducción de la función pulmonar. Si esta afección no es tratada precozmente puede conducir a un severo deterioro de la función pulmonar y a largo plazo llegar a la fibrosis. El diagnóstico es difícil debido a la sobreposición de las manifestaciones clínicas y radiológicas de la ABPA con exacerbaciones pulmonares producidas por bacterias o virus. Se han sugerido criterios para establecer el diagnóstico; en este sentido la IgE total y específica son los más importantes. Últimamente han sido desarrollados nuevos test serológicos con el objeto de mejorar la detección precoz y monitorización de la ABPA, presentando gran sensibilidad y especificidad. El tratamiento consiste en el uso de corticoides sistémicos. El itraconazol parece mejorar el control de la enfermedad y reducir la dosis de corticoides.

Caso clínico: aspergilosis pulmonar invasiva tratada con Voriconazol en paciente con Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida / Clinical case: invasive pulmonary aspergillosis treated with Voriconazol in an AIDS patient

Se reporta un caso clínico de aspergilosis pulmonar invasiva en un paciente de 29 años VIH(+) en etapa SIDA, sin antecedentes mórbidos conocidos, con diagnóstico inicial de neumonía por Pneumocystis jirovecii. Fue tratado con éxito, pero sin asistir a controles posterior a su alta . Tres meses después ingresa al servicio de Urgencias del Hospital Gustavo Fricke con tos productiva mucopurulenta, disnea progresiva, fiebre intermitente y compromiso del estado general. La radiografía de tórax sugirió neumonía atípica, detectándose en los exámenes Pneumocystis jirovecii y Enterobacter aerógenes , por lo que se inicia tratamiento con Cotrimoxazol y Ertapenem. En los cultivos en agar Sabouraud se detectó abundante desarrollo de Aspergillus fumigatus , por lo que se empieza tratamiento con anfotericina B en dosis crecientes hasta alcanzar 50 mg/día, sin embargo, por reacciones adversas severas se decidió tratamiento con Voriconazol intravenoso y luego oral, con buena respuesta clínica, radiológica y de laboratorio. Es dado de alta con tratamiento con Voriconazol oral, además de profilaxis secundaria para P. jirovecii y Mycobaterium avium.

A clinical case of an invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a 29 aged VIH (+) patient, at an AIDS stage, lacking any known morbid data, and bearing an initial diagnosis of pneumonia by Pneumocystis jirovecii is herein described. Was successfully treated even though he failed to attend subsequent health controls. Three months later he is admitted in the Hospital Gustavo Fricke, showing productive mucupurulent cough, progressive disnea, intermittent fever and his overall health condition resulting deeply compromised. Thorax X-ray revealed an atypical pneumonia together with the presence of P. jirovecii and Enterobacter aerogenes, and decided to treat him with Cotrimoxazol and Ertapenem. Meanwhile in agar cultures a heavy development of Aspergillus fumigatus was detected, thus the patient was given Anfotericina B in increasing doses up to reach 50mg/day; however due to some severe adverse reactions, the treatment with intravenous and later oral Voriconazol, which rendered satisfactory clinical, radiological and laboratory responses was ultimately preferred. The patient is discharged from the hospital and advised to continue with oral Voriconazol besides undergoing secondary profilaxis for P. jirovecii and Mycobaterium avium.

Análogos de Asp f 1 (alfa-sarcina, mitogilina e restrictocina) no diagnóstico e estadiamento da aspergilose broncopulmonar alérgica / Analogs of Asp f 1 (mitogillin, alfa-sarcin and restrictocin) on the diagnosis and stage assessment of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

A Aspergilose Broncopulmonar alérgica (ABPA) é uma doença complexa,desencadeada por uma reação de hipersensibilidade ao Aspergillus fumigatus, que apresenta vários estágios, sendo que no estágio mais grave, os pacientes apresentam bronquiectasias. O diagnóstico da doença é difícil e o maior problema é a falta de antígenos padronizados necessários para a determinação de anticorpos específicos. O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar se os testes cutâneos com os análogos de Asp f 1 podem auxiliar no diagnóstico e no estadiamento da ABPA. Três grupos de pacientes classificados por testes sorológicos foram obtidos a saber 20 ABPA (16BQ+; 4BQ-), 25 possíveis -ABPA (14BQ+;11BQ-) e 24 asmáticos sem ABPA (11BQ+;13BQ-). Fizeram parte do estudo 10 pessoas sem asma . Todos foram submetidos a testes intradérmicos com três antígenos a-sarcina, mitogilina e estrictocina.Houve uma intensa reação a todos os antígenos e as reações produzidas foram semelhantes para os três antígenos. As reações de leitura tardia positivas à mitogilina foram biopsiadas. As biopsias de 2 (12,5%) dos pacientes BQ+ do grupo ABPA e 5 do grupo ABPA possível com BQ+ (35,6%) mostraram vasculite por depósito de imunocomplexos. 11 pacientes do terceiro grupo não apresentaram vasculite. O quarto grupo não apresentou reação tardia. Todos os pacientes com reação positiva apresentaram BQ+. alfa-sarcina, a mitogilina e a restrictocina diferenciaram pacientes com ABPA por testes intradérmicos e podem ser aplicados no diagnóstico da doença. A maior incidência de bronquiectasias foi encontrada no primeiro grupo (80%) e no segundo (56%). No terceiro grupo nenhum caso foi encontrado em 23 pacientes com asma e teste ID positivo ao aspergillus fumigatus todos os pacientes com vasculite tinham bronquiectasia. Há possibilidade de que as lesões produzidas nos pulmões sejam produzidas por vasculite.

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex disease, triggered by a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus. The disease diagnosis is difficult, and a major problem is the lack of standardized allergens for the determination of specific antibodies. The aim of the present study is to evaluate if intradermal (ID) tests with analogs of Asp f 1 can aid in the diagnosis and stage assessment of abpa. Three groups of patients classified by serological tests were obtained. 20 ABPA (16BQ+; 4BQ-), 25 possible-ABPA (14BQ+; 11BQ-), 24 asthmatic-ABPAfree (11BQ+; 13BQ-) and 10 asthma-free people were submitted to id tests with three antigens: mitogillin, a-sarcin and restrictocin. There was intense reaction to all three antigens and the response was similar. The positive reactions to mitogillin were biopsied. The skin biopsies of two (12,5%) bq+ patients of the first group and 5 BQ+ (35,6%) patients of the second one showed vasculitis by immune complexes (IC) deposition. 11 patients of the third group had negative biopsies. The fourth group didn't have late-reaction. All patients with positive reaction were BQ+. By ID test, alfa-sarcin, mitogillin and restrictocin could differentiate patients with abpa and can be applicable in disease diagnosis. The higher incidence of bronchiectasis was found in the first (80%) and second (56%) groups. In the third group, IC wasn't found in 23 asthma patients and id test was positive to A. fumigatus. All patients with vasculitis by IC had bronchiectasis. Therefore, the results indicate that this kind of pulmonary lesion is caused by vasculitis.

Caso clínico: aspergilosis no invasiva en paciente VIH / Clinical report: non invasive aspergillosis in a HIV patient

Se reporta el caso clínico de un paciente con antecedentes de VIH/SIDA etapa C3, con TBC pulmonar tratada, con un absceso pulmonar antiguo y múltiples hospitalizaciones previas por un cuadro de varios meses de evolución, caracterizado por tos con expectoración purulenta, hemoptisis, fiebre y compromiso del estado general. Dentro del estudio destacaron 3 muestras de expectoración positivas para Aspergillus fumigatus, con estudio bacteriológico negativo y radiografía de tórax sin cambios en relación a las tomadas con anterioridad. Con estos elementos, se diagnosticó una aspergilosis pulmonar no invasiva y, considerando su estado de inmunosupresión, las múltiples hospitalizaciones por este cuadro y la mala condición social del paciente, se decidió iniciar un tratamiento con Itraconazol, además de reiniciar terapia antiretroviral. El paciente evolucionó favorablemente, con cultivos negativos de expectoración después de 3 meses de tratamiento.

A clinic report of an HIV/SIDA patient in his C3 phase, bearing a previous TBC pulmonary disease already treated, together with an old pulmonary abscess as well as multiple previous hospitalizations due to symptoms meaning several months of evolution, and which were characterized by purulent expectoration cough, hemoptisis, fever and general health complications is discussed. Results of the study revealed that 3 samples of expectoration were positive for Aspergillus fumigatus, yielding negative for bacteriologic exam while thorax x-ray seemed unchanged as compared to those taken earlier. Based on this information, a non invasive pulmonary aspergillosis was diagnosed; besides considering his immunesuppression state, his multiple hospitalizations caused by these symptoms as well as the bad social condition of the patient, it was determined to treat him with Itraconazol together with a restart of a retroviral therapy. The patient had a favorable evolution and after a three-month treatment he showed negative cultures of expectoration.

Pulmonary fungal ball in non-immunocompromised patient: a case report.

Fungal ball caused by Aspergillus species is an opportunistic infection. We describe a case report of a patient with culture positive Aspergillus fumigatus who presented with complaints of cough and expectoration with recurrent episodes of haemoptysis. Tuberculosis is the commonest cause of haemoptysis in India. However fungal ball is also one of the leading cause of haemoptysis. Hence laboratory evaluation of haemoptysis should not only include work up for tuberculosis but sample should also be submitted for mycological evaluation.

Unusual occurrence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in a family.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is now a well known entity in asthmatic patients. Despite the familial occurrence of bronchial asthma, the familiar occurrence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is a rarity. Here 2 cases of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in a family (brother and sister), treated with prednisolone with complete remission are reported. The clinicans should have a high index of suspicion to investigate all the members of a patient with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, who are having history of asthma or rhinitis.

Aspergilose broncopulmonar alérgica com imagem radiológica em "dedo de luva" / Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis presenting a glove-finger shadow in radiographic images

A aspergilose broncopulmonar alérgica é uma doença pulmonar que ocorre em pacientes com asma ou fibrose cística, desencadeada pela reação de hipersensibilidade à presença do fungo Aspergilus fumigatus nas vias aéreas. Relatamos aqui um caso em que uma paciente com quadro clínico sugestivo de asma apresentou critérios clínicos, laboratoriais e radiológicos compatíveis com o diagnóstico de aspergilose broncopulmonar alérgica. A importância de tais achados deve-se ao fato de que quanto mais precocemente for feito o diagnóstico, menores serão os riscos de agravamento do quadro respiratório e de aparecimento de fibrose.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is a lung disease occurring in patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis, triggered by a hypersensitivity reaction to the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus in the airways. We report herein the case of a patient presenting a clinical profile suggestive of asthma and meeting the clinical, laboratory testing and radiological criteria for a diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. The importance of such findings is that early diagnosis can reduce the risk of respiratory exacerbations and fibrosis.

Diagnóstico de ABPA em pacientes portadores de fibrose cística: utilidade clínica da pesquisa de IgE específica contra alérgenos recombinantes do Aspergillus fumigatus / ABPA diagnosis in cystic fibrosis patients: the clinical utility of IgE specific to recombinant Aspergillus fumigatus allergens

OBJETIVO: A aspergilose broncopulmonar alérgica (ABPA) é um fator complicador da fibrose cística que pode determinar uma combinação devastadora na evolução da doença pulmonar. A sobreposição de sinais e sintomas das duas enfermidades dificulta o diagnóstico, mesmo aplicando critérios padronizados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar, em grupo de portadores de fibrose cística, os casos de ABPA através da detecção de IgE específica contra os alérgenos recombinantes do Aspergillus fumigatus e confrontar esse método com os critérios preconizados pela Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e quatro pacientes de 2 a 20 anos, com características que poderiam estar isoladamente presentes na ABPA, foram avaliados sistematicamente, incluindo: dados clínicos, tomografia computadorizada de tórax, teste cutâneo de hipersensibilidade imediata para A. fumigatus; dosagem de IgE sérica total, RAST para A. fumigatus, e IgE sérica específica para alérgenos recombinantes r Asp f1, f2, f3, f4 e f6. RESULTADOS: Foram elegíveis para o estudo 39 pacientes. Destes, 32 foram investigados. Houve sensibilização ao A. fumigatus em 34 por cento. Ambos os métodos, o critério da Cystic Fibrosis Foundation e a pesquisa de IgE específica contra antígenos recombinantes, determinaram três casos de ABPA; entretanto, o diagnóstico foi concordante em apenas dois pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: A detecção de IgE específica contra antígenos recombinantes do A. fumigatus foi ferramenta útil para detecção precoce da sensibilização e diagnóstico de ABPA. No entanto, a confirmação diagnóstica não pôde ser desvinculada da condição clínica, e sua utilização para diagnóstico, detecção de recidivas e critério de cura ainda requer estudos longitudinais, envolvendo maior número de pacientes.

Aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica en niños con enfermedad pulmonar crónica y fibrosis quística / Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in children with chronic lung disease and cystic fibrosis

Introducción: La aspergilosis broncopulmonar alérgica (ABPA) es infrecuente en pediatría, sin embargo, es necesario tener presente el diagnóstico e instaurar un tratamiento precoz, con la finalidad de evitar mayor deterioro de la función pulmonar. Objetivo: presentar nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico y manejo de la ABPA en niños portadores de enfermedad pulmonar crónica (EPC) postviral y fibrosis quística (FQ). Pacientes y Método: 6 pacientes con ABPA diagnosticados entre los años 2000-2003, de 9 a 17 años de edad (promedio 13 años), 4 de sexo masculino y 2 femenino. El estudio se realizó en pacientes con EPC postviral o FQ que presentaban un cuadro clínico sugerente y se confirmó con dos o más cultivos positivos para Aspergillus sp, con la presencia de hifas y al menos un criterio primario. Resultados: La totalidad de los pacientes presentaron IgG específica elevada, 5 con test cutáneo positivo y eosinofilia. Los 6 niños mostraron nuevos infiltrados pulmonares y en 2 bronquiectasias centrales. Fueron tratados con prednisona 2 mg/kg/d durante un mes, luego igual dosis en días alternos por 4 meses e itraconazol 2-5 mg/kg/d durante 5 meses. Evolucionaron con mejoría clínica, de la saturometría y flujometría, y en 4 pacientes la espirometría. Todos disminuyeron los infiltrados pulmonares, negativizaron los cultivos y la IgG específica. No observamos efectos adversos con el tratamiento empleado. Conclusión: En pediatría la ABPA es poco frecuente, sin embargo, empeora la función pulmonar, por lo que debe ser considerada en niños portadores de asma bronquial, EPC o FQ. Nuestros pacientes se beneficiaron con el tratamiento utilizado.