RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Gender differences in patients with aspirin-induced asthma (AIA)
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P2021
VO 42
IS Suppl 57
A1 Grazyna Bochenek
A1 Joanna Kuschill-Dziurda
A1 Krystyna Szafraniec
A1 Tomasz Stachura
A1 Ewa Nizankowska-Mogilnicka
YR 2013
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/P2021.abstract
AB Background: AIA is characterized by a predilection for female gender, which was revealed in two large cohort studies carried out in Europe and in the United States. Females (F) differed from males (M) only in several clinical features.Aims: To assess possible gender differences in a cohort of patients with confirmed AIA, diagnosed in our Department.Methods: Clinical data of 201 AIA patients were collected by means of specifically structured questionnaire. Demographics and detailed medical history concerning the course of asthma, upper airways symptoms, presence of nasal polyps, history of polypectomies were taken. Patients were asked about allergies, asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations. Asthma severity and control were assessed according NAEPP EPR3 guideline and ACT, respectively. Spirometry, skin tests, total IgE, blood eosinophilia were also evaluated.Results: F outnumbered M twice (134 vs 67). F differed from M by longer asthma duration, younger age of asthma onset and appearance of aspirin hypersensitivity. F had more NSAIDs induced asthma attacks per patient and asthma related hospitalizations but less asthma-related ED visits. Nasal polyps were diagnosed more often in M but the frequency of polypectomies was comparable in both genders. There were no differences as regards asthma severity and control levels. Positive skin prick tests to mites and seasonal allergens were found more often in F. No differences were found in the other variables studied.Conclusions: Despite the females predominance in AIA, no substantial clinical and laboratory differences existed between both genders. The actual effect of gender on the course of AIA is far from clear and awaits further explanation.