Does obesity effects asthma outcomes in female asthmatic patients

Abstract

In this study we aimed to investigate the correlation between body mass index and characteristics of asthma in female asthmatic patients of our clinic. Characteristics of asthma related factors and body mass index (BMI) analyzed from the data obtained out-patients files of 900 female patients, who were followed in our department between the years of 1992-2004.Patients were divided and evaluated in four groups according to their BMI; Group1: BMI<18.5 thin,Group2:18.5≤BMI<25 normal, Group3: 25≤BMI<30 overweight, Group4: BMI ≥30 obese The number of patients in Group1 was 23, was 336 in Group 2, was 302 in Group3, and was 239 in Group4. The mean BMI of patients was 26.9±0.2. The mean age of patients was 37.4± 0.4 and the patients in Group4 was significantly older than patients in other groups. The 42.6% of patients were atopic and 50.9% was also diagnosed to have allergic rhinites. The 53.8% of patients in Group1, 72.9% of patients in Group2, 63.5% of patients in Group3, 58.2% of patients in Group4 were atopic . The mean serum IgE levels of patients in Group4 was significantly lower than others. Although there was not any significant difference in the mean eosinophiles count of patients, those values were lower in Group4 than in other groups. The mean asthmatic years of patients in Group4 was significantly longer than others. The mean and predicted values of lung function parameters of Group4 were generally lower than other groups, especially the means FEV1 and FVC values was significantly lower in Group4 than Group1, Group2 and Group3. The mean medication score (number of controller drugs) of patients in Group4 was significantly higher than in patients of other groups.The hospitalization rate of patients in Group4 (19%) was significantly higher than patients in patients Group2 (9%) and Group3 (12) (p<0.05). In conclusion, obesity was a severity factor for asthmatic female patients. Asthma outcomes are effected badly due to obesity in females.