Allergic BronchoPulmonary Aspergillosis in Nepal

Abstract

Allergic BronchoPulmonary Aspergillosis is clinically under recognized and often misdiagnosed in Nepal. A total of 15 cases of ABPA were enrolled in this case series. Cases were followed up after the 3 months of start of treatment and clinical responses were assessed. The mean age of the patients was 33.06 ± 9.2 yrs. 80% were male. 26.6% patients were empirically on antitubercular treatment at the time of presentation. 40% patients were misdiagnosed and already treated as pulmonary Tuberculosis. 10 patients were previously treated as cases of refractory asthma. Majority of patients had significant eosinophillia and raised total serum IgE. All patients required treatment with bronchodilator and systemic steroid. 80% patients underwent remission with the treatment. Pulmonary Tuberculosis and refractory bronchial asthma are common condition that leads to the misdiagnosis of this disease.  Keywords: ABPA; bronchial asthma; central bronchiectasis; eosinophil count; serum IgE.