title: Atopic status in patients with sarcoidosis.
abstract: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder that is characterized by T helper 1 (Th1)-mediated immune response at the sites of disease. Studies showed that T cells derived from patients with sarcoidosis have been able to release Th2 cytokine profile. However, they are believed to be suppressed and nonactive. This study investigated the rate of atopy, a Th2 condition, in sarcoidosis. Atopic status was assessed in 41 patients (13 men and 28 women; mean age, 47.6 +/- 12.2 years) with sarcoidosis. Current history of atopic diseases, including asthma and allergic rhinitis, was assessed in clinical evaluation. Skin-prick tests were performed using a standardized panel. Total immunoglobulin E was measured by chemiluminescence automatic immunoassay. Results are discussed with the conjunction of previous epidemiological studies conducted in adult Turkish populations. Three patients (7%) had a diagnosis of asthma, whereas one patient (2%) had isolated allergic rhinitis. Skin-prick tests were positive in two patients (5%). This rate is much lower than the atopy prevalence in Turkey (5% versus 25%). Our data suggest that sarcoidosis may be associated with a lower incidence of atopy and allergic disease; further data are needed in other populations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Gazi University School of Medicine, Kizilirmak Sok 16/10, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Nurdan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kokturk
authors.forename: Elif Reyhan
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Haluk
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Turktas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000378:metabolism; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000150:complications*; D012882:Skin Tests; D014374:Tuberculin Test; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E