Frequency of Raised Total Serum Ig E, Sputum Eosinophilia and Blood Eosinophil Count in Patients with Severe Persistent Asthma

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder that has several inflammatory phenotypes. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophils are airway inflammation markers in asthmatic patients. In this research, we assessed the asthma severity with various inflammatory markers.

Aims & Objectives: To find the frequency of raised total serum immunoglobulin E, sputum eosinophilia, and absolute blood eosinophil count in patients with severe persistent asthma.

Place and duration of study: This study was conducted in Department of Pulmonology, Shaikh Zayed FPGMI, Lahore from 1^st October 2018 to 1^st April 2019.

Material & Methods: A Cross-sectional study in which total of 125 patients were enrolled after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Blood samples were taken with aseptic measures for total serum immunoglobulin E and absolute blood eosinophils count. Sputum was collected in the sterile jar and dispensed properly to the histopathology lab.

Results: Of 125 patients, 44.8% were males, and 55.2% were females. The mean patient's age was 49.37 years, and the mean duration of symptoms was 25.49 years. Raised serum immunoglobulin E levels were seen in 74.4% patients, sputum eosinophilia was seen in 25.6% patients, and increased peripheral eosinophil count was seen in 55.2%. Age was significantly associated with sputum eosinophilia; however, no such association was seen between the other effect modifiers and inflammatory markers.

Conclusion: Inflammatory markers immunoglobulin E, sputum and blood eosinophil levels were significantly raised in asthma patients. These can be used in the detection of asthma as their detection is easy, simple, and non-invasive, and they are directly linked to the inflammation.