HLA antigens, nasal polyps and asthma

Abstract

HLA antigens, nasal polyps and asthma HLA typing has been performed on a selected series of 29 patients with nasal polyps, with or without asthma. Despite the small series there was a significant increase in the haplotype A1/B8 in patients with both nasal polyps and asthma. No association was found in those with polyps alone. However, those with both conditions, who were positive for A1/B8, had more severe polyp disease. Three out of 4 patients with nasal polyps, asthma and sensitivity to aspirin were positive for A1/B8. In patients with nasal polyps, tissue typing might be of use in predicting both those who are most at risk of developing asthma, and also those who are most likely to have severe polyp disease. The association of A1/B8 with severe polyp disease and asthma, may imply that abnormalities of immune response are likely to be associated with the pathogenesis of both conditions.