RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Changes in total and specific IgE following treatment with mebendazole in patients with persistent asthma and IgE to Ascaris lumbricoides
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P2348
VO 40
IS Suppl 56
A1 Rosanna Qualizza
A1 Cristoforo Incorvaia
A1 Rita Ballerini
A1 Romualdo Grande
YR 2012
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P2348.abstract
AB Background Recent studies have reported that patients with ascaridiasis and high IgE levels may suffer from asthma. This study aims at evaluating the changes in total and Ascaris-specific IgE, as well as in symptoms, following anti-helminthic therapy in patients with asthma not controlled with standard drug treatment.Methods 30 adult patients with persistent asthma and high levels of total and Ascaris-specific IgE were included in the study. Though they had been treated by associations of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), they shared irregular and unjustified asthma attacks and therefore referred to us in order to have a further check-up. They underwent spirometry, skin prick tests, total and specific IgE (aeroallergens + A. lumbricoides). To all patients a treatment by mebendazole 100 mg b.i.d for 3 days, based on two courses with a 20-day interval, was proposed. After 6 and 12 months, in case of persistent positivity, 2 other courses of mebendazole were prescribed.Results 24 patients underwent the treatment. The mean value of total IgE increased after 6 months of treatment from 1556 to 2206 but decreased after 12 months to 1352 kU/L. Similarly, specific IgE increased from 3.1 to 4.5 after 6 months and decreased to 2.4 kU/L after 12 months. Spirometry showed a basal FEV1 mean value of 59% and a rise to 71% after 6 months and to 78% after 12 months.Conclusion These findings confirm the association between Ascaris infestation and allergy-like symptoms and demonstrate that antiparasitic therapy remarkably reduces asthma attacks in patients who show high levels of total and specific IgE for A. lumbricoides.