Seroprevalence of specific immunoglobulin G antibodies against aspergillus fumigatus among chronic persistent asthma

Aspergillus fumigatus [AF] is responsible for 90% of human infections. The lung is the predominate site of infection. It is able to colonize in respiratory tract of asymptomatic population and changed clinical features from noninvasive to invasive according to immuncomponent state of individuals. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of AF immunoglobulin [IgG] antibodies among chronic persistent asthmatic patients in Tehran. Chronic asthmatic patients, aged 15-60 years, were sequentially enrolled from out-patient respiratory clinics. The specific AF IgG antibodies, white blood cells count, peripheral eosinophil count, and immunoglobulin E antibodies were also measured. Totally, 497 chronic stable asthmatic patients were studied with the mean age of 45 years. Aspergillus IgG antibodies were detected in 285 subjects [57.3%]. The mean [ +/- standard deviation] serum IgE level was 257.22 +/- 338.07IU/mL [ranged from 3.9 to 4333 IU/mL]. Chest X -ray abnormalities were noted in 25 patients [<0.01%]. AF IgG antibodies were observed in more than half of the chronic stable asthmatic patients. Therefore, significant colonization of aspergillus fumigatus occurred in asthmatic patients without prominent clinical symptoms

Osteoporosis among asthmatic patients exposed to mustard gas compared with non-exposed asthmatics

Background: Chemical warfare victims with history of exposure to sulfur mustard gas comprise a considerable number of our young asthmatic population. They are at risk of adverse effects of the gas including asthma; diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, chemical bronchitis, skin lesions and ophthalmic complications, with a great part of their treatment depending on corticosteroid compounds

Objective: To evaluate the rate of osteoporosis in a group of asthmatic victims of sulfur mustard gas and to compare it with non-chemical asthmatic patients, in order to determine the distribution, site of involvement, intensity of effects, and difference with the non-exposed group

Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 100 asthmatic male patients who had a history of exposure to sulfur mustard gas were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and matched with 100 non-chemical asthmatic male patients in regard to age, duration of disease, duration of corticosteroid therapy, and the form of therapy. Bone Mineral Density [BMD] test was performed on hip and lumbar vertebrae of case and control groups according to WHO criteria. Independent- samples T test was used to analyze the results

Results: There was a significant difference [p <0.05] between the two groups in the range of osteoporosis and osteopenia. No significant correlation was found between age and complications. Most changes [65%] were observed in the vertebral column, and hip involvement [%5] was much more severe in the case group

Conclusion: Considering the morbidities caused by this chemical warfare agent, the osteoporotic complications in chemical warfare victims can intensify their disabilities. Therefore, preventive measures must be undertaken to reduce complications