Abstract
Background
Staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) and fungal sensitization influences the severity of asthma. However, the effects of SE and fungal sensitization on the clinical outcomes of asthma remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the clinical outcomes of asthma in patients with or without SE sensitization. In addition, we analyzed the effects of fungal sensitization on clinical outcomes in patients with SE sensitization.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients with asthma who had undergone an SE-specific immunoglobulin E test at our hospital between January and August 2021. Data on clinical manifestations, medication use, pulmonary function, clinic and emergency room (ER) visits, and hospitalization were collected from the patients.
Results
This study included 106 patients. The prevalence of SE sensitization in the patients was 27.3%. Of the patients with SE sensitization, 50% also had fungal sensitization. The levels of asthma treatment (triple inhaler therapy and biologics) and the risks of hospitalization and an ER visit were higher in the patients with SE sensitization than in those without it. However, after 12-month treatment, the cohorts exhibited similar rates of hospitalizations and ER visits. The patients with concomitant SE and fungal sensitization exhibited a substantial posttreatment decline in pulmonary function.
Conclusion
Adherence to asthma treatment protocols improves clinical outcomes in patients with or without SE sensitization. Among patients with SE sensitization, those with concomitant fungal sensitization tend to exhibit a rapid decline in pulmonary function within 1 year.