Prognostic factors in patients with EAA

Abstract

Aim: To assess prognostic factors in patients with extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA). Material and methods: Into retrospective study 157 patients with EAA, 69 male (M); 88 female (F) were involved (mean age 57±15 years; 58±14 M; 57±16 F). At the time of diagnosis patients underwent assessment of history of exposure and sensitization to inhalations antigens (specific IgGs), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cellular analysis, lung function tests and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest. Diagnosis of EAA was established by multidisciplinary team and treatment decision was made according to severity of symptoms, pulmonary functions and HRCT findings. Effect of demographic parameters, exposure and BALF lymphocytosis on outcome after 12 months observation period were investigated. Results: There was found positive correlation between CD4/CD8 ratio and treatment initiation (OR 5.6; 95% CI=1.55–22.5; p=0,003). Conclusion: The significant decline of lung functions showed patients with BALF LY