Assessment of Allergic Markers and Atopic Phenotype among Sulfur Mustard Induced Small Airway Diseases with Persistent Wheezes in Iranian Veterans; Post Wartime

Background: A wheezes is originated from small airway obstruction. Phenotypes of the wheeze have different in causal factors etiology. Persistent wheeze detects in allergic and atopic disorders. Sulfur mustard (SM) is a potential chemical warfare agent. It can develop small airway diseases (SAD) with wheezes. The aim of the study was assessed prevalence of allergic markers and atopic phenotype among sulfur mustard induced small airway diseases with the persistent wheeze in Iranian veteran’s post wartime. Methods: The study designed in two stages; diagnosis of SM induced SAD and detection of atopic subjects. Skin prick test, Total immunoglobulin E antibody’s concentration in serum and peripheral blood eosinophil count applied on samples of study. Results: Sixty-three male chemical veterans associated with SAD meet criteria of the study. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma diseases had prevalently the frequency in focus population. Frequency of allergic status and atopic phenotype was observed in 56% and 22% of study population, respectively. Mean age recorded 45.98±9.99 SD years (ranged 35- 67). The Mean±SD of total IgE (TIgE) concentrations and peripheral blood eosinophilia were 283.15±263.86 Iu/dl (range 5- 900) and 266.60±240.94. A highly relevant difference in TIgE denoted between allergic and non-allergic subgroups (P < 0.001). There were significant differences between allergic status with atopic phenotype (? < 0.001). Conclusion: The study demonstrated the noticeable prevalence of allergic marker and atopic phenotype among SM induced SAD with persistent wheezes. They markedly distributed in the subgroup of bronchial asthma and COPD asthma-phenotype of target population.