Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in Japan: A nationwide survey

Tsuyoshi Oguma, Masami Taniguchi, Terufumi Shimoda, Katsuhiko Kamei, Hiroto Matsuse, Akira Hebisawa, Noboru Takayanagi, Satoshi Konno, Koichi Fukunaga, Kazuki Harada, Jun Tanaka, Katsuyoshi Tomomatsu, Koichiro Asano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

57 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic pulmonary disease characterized by a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus species colonizing the airways. The clinical characteristics of ABPA may differ depending on genetic and environmental background. We performed a nationwide survey to determine the clinical characteristics of ABPA in Japan. Methods In 2013, a questionnaire on physician-diagnosed ABPA/allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis was sent to 903 medical centers specializing in respiratory or allergic diseases. Cases fulfilling the following criteria were categorized as possible ABPA-central bronchiectasis (ABPA-CB): 1) presence of specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies or a positive skin reaction to Aspergillus, and 2) bronchiectasis or mucoid impaction in the central bronchi. Results Of 499 physician-diagnosed cases reported by 132 clinical centers, 358 cases met the criteria for possible ABPA-CB. Median age of ABPA-CB onset was 57 (interquartile range, 44–68) years; later-onset disease, developing ≥50 years of age, accounted for 66% of the cases and was associated with female sex, delayed onset of asthma, and lower levels of serum IgE. A third of the patients (120 patients, 34%) exhibited low levels of serum total IgE (<1000 IU/mL). Aspergillus species were isolated from sputum in 126/213 cases (59%), and Schizophyllum commune was identified in 12 (6%) patients. During the course of the treatment, ABPA recurred in 169 (48%) cases. Conclusions This nationwide survey identified several unique clinical characteristics of ABPA in Japan, such as late-onset, relatively lower serum IgE levels, and frequent recurrences/flares.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)79-84
Number of pages6
JournalAllergology International
Volume67
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 Jan

Keywords

  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
  • Aspergillus
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Schizophyllum commune

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy

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