24 Basophil Activation Test may facilitate ABPA diagnosis in CF patients

Abstract

Objective Diagnosis of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) complicating cystic fibrosis (CF) remains problematic. As Basophil Activation Test (BAT) has been applied on the diagnosis of many Th2 mediated conditions, it could be a promising method for ABPA diagnosis. Methods We present 21 cases of patients with probable ABPA who did not fulfill the minimal diagnostic criteria. BAT was performed when patients' clinical and immunological status was deteriorated and they were followed up for 6 years. Results Fifteen patients (71.4%) were male and seven patients (33.3%) were homozygous for DF508 mutation. Twelve patients developed ABPA during the study period. In these patients the median CD63 was 71.89% while the median CD203 was 78.96%. The median time of diagnosis was ten months. In the group of nine patients who have not fulfilled the diagnostic criteria up to present, the median CD63 was 24.57% and the median CD203 was 60.74%. Differences were found statistically significant (p = 0.041 and p = 0.049 respectively). Conclusion BAT could be considered as an additional criterion for ABPA diagnosis, particularly in patients who do not fulfill the minimal diagnostic criteria.