Indian Journal of Respiratory Care (Jan 2022)
Clinicodemographic Profile of Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia in a Tertiary Care Institute of Bihar
Abstract
Background: Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) is a type of eosinophilic lung disease, and it is associated with a hypersensitivity response to Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi's microfilariae. Any systemic data regarding its clinical, demographic, and radiological profile in patients of this part of the world are sparse. This study aimed to study the clinical and demographic profile of TPE patients in this geographical area. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study done over 1 year period in patients with TPE-like features in a tertiary care center of Bihar. After appropriate clinical and blood examination, absolute eosinophil count (AEC), serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), spirometry, filarial antigen, and filarial antibody and chest radiology were done. Results: Among 77 cases of TPE, 54 were male (70.1%) and 23 were female (29.9%), in a ratio of 2.35:1. The majority of cases 43 (55.9%) were found in age less than 30 years. Most of our participants were students 28 (36.4%), homemakers 19 (24.7%), and farmers 17 (22.1%). The most common clinical feature was cough 77 (100%). Filarial antibody was raised in all (100%) while antigen was positive in 96.1%. Chest radiology was normal in 71.4%. Mean AEC and IgE ± standard deviation were 6730.71 + 4671.12 and 7983.14 ± 7279.60 kU/L, respectively. Spirometric findings were mild restriction 25 (32.5%). Conclusion: The prevalence of TPE is supposed to be higher in endemic areas. The patient should be evaluated in detail if having raised eosinophil count (>3000/mm3) with increased IgE level (>1000 kU/L) along with suggestive clinical features. Timely diagnosis and treatment can cure the disease and prevent its complications.
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