Asia Pacific Allergy 2011;1(1):16-24

doi:10.5415/apallergy.2011.1.1.16

Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes related to sputum eosinophilia in Korean asthmatics

Jae Woo JUNG 1 ; Sae Hoon KIM ; Jae Woo KWON ; Tae Wan KIM ; Hye Ryun KANG ; Heung Woo PARK ; Sun Sin KIM ; Yoon Seok CHANG ; Sang Heon CHO ; Kyung Up MIN ; Cohort-For-Reality-And-Evolution-Of-Adult-Asthma (COREA)

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

Asthma; Induced sputum; Eosinophil; Noneosinophilic asthma

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bronchial asthma is usually associated with high sputum eosinophil levels. However, recent reports have suggested the importance of noneosinophilic asthma (NEA) as a distinct phenotype of asthma. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical significance of sputum eosinophilia and long-term treatment outcomes related to sputum eosinophilia in Korean asthmatics. METHODS: A total of 201 steroid-naive asthmatics who had undergone induced sputum analysis at baseline were selected from the Cohort for Reality and Evolution of Adult Asthma study population. Clinical evaluation, spirometry, a skin-prick test, a methacholine bronchial provocation test, and sputum eosinophil analysis were performed initially, and patients received the treatment recommended by the Global Initiative for Asthma. Lung function was evaluated every 6 months, and 53 patients completed 24 months of regular follow-up visits. Sputum eosinophilia was defined as a sputum eosinophil count of >3%.