[Delayed nonspecific cutaneous hypersensitivity in extrinsic allergic alveolitis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

A study of delayed nonspecific cutaneous hypersensitivity in extrinsic allergic alveolitis and in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

METHODS:

13 patients with extrinsic allergic alveolitis, 10 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 34 with sarcoidosis and a control group of 110 subjects without respiratory disease or apparent defects in cell immunity were evaluated. The skin tests of delayed hypersensitivity were carried out with five antigenic extracts (candidin, staphylococcal toxoid, tuberculin-PPD, trichophyllin, streptokinase-streptodornase). The reactions were read after 48 hours. Delayed nonspecific cutaneous hypersensitivity was globally calculated, both quantitatively (sum of the mean diameters) and quantitatively (overall average of positive reactions).

RESULTS:

No significant differences were found between the group of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the control group, nor between those with extrinsic allergic alveolitis and those with sarcoidosis. However, differences were found between the control group and the patients with extrinsic allergic alveolitis, both in the quantitative and the qualitative analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Delayed nonspecific cutaneous hypersensitivity in extrinsic allergic alveolitis is depressed in a similar way as in sarcoidosis, whereas it appears to be preserved in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, extrinsic allergic alveolitis should be considered as another cause of reduction of delayed nonspecific cutaneous hypersensitivity as it is the case with sarcoidosis.

• Authors: R Orriols, M E Drobnic, G Sampol, J Ferrer, A Román, F Morell
• Journal: Medicina clinica (Med Clin (Barc)) Vol. 96 Issue 16 Pg. 611-3 (Apr 27 1991) ISSN: 0025-7753 [Print] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Hipersensibilidad cutánea retardada inespecífica en la alveolitis alérgica extrínseca y en la fibrosis pulmonar idiopática.
• PMID: 2051829 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic (immunology)
• Female
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity, Delayed
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Pulmonary Fibrosis (immunology)
• Sarcoidosis (immunology)
• Skin (immunology)
• Skin Tests