Abstract
Assumed mutual antagonism of T-helper cell (Th)1 and Th2 diseases suggests that the prevalence of atopy should be decreased in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We tried to determine that prevalence. Sixty-two patients with RA and 61 with osteoarthritis (control group) were included in the study. A questionnaire was used concerning mainly the symptoms of atopy. Skin prick tests, pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, immunoglobulin E levels, and eosinophil counts were obtained. The prevalences of asthma, hay fever, and eczema in the RA group were 3.2%, 14.5%, and 1.6%, respectively. In the control group, they were 6.5%, 22%, and 6.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups. There was also no significant difference between immunoglobulin E levels. Eosinophil counts were higher in the control group, however these values were within the normal range. Skin prick tests were obtained in seven RA patients, and eight controls revealed increased positivity. The prevalence of atopy in rheumatoid arthritis was not different from that in the general population. Our study results cannot support the concept of Th1/Th2 mutual antagonism.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Panayi GS, Corrigall VM, Pitzalis C (2001) Pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis: The role of T cells and other beasts. Clin North Am 27:317–334
Terr AI (1991) The atopic diseases. In: Stites DP, Terr AI (eds) Basic and clinical immunology, 7th edn. Lange, Lebanon, pp 380-399
Arnett FC, Edworth SM, Bloch DA et al (1988) The American Rheumatism Association 1987 revised criteria for the classification of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 31:315–324
Burney PGJ, Luczynska C, Chinn S et al (1994) The European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Eur Respir J 7:954–960
American Thoracic Society, Medical Section of the American Lung Association (1987) Standardization of spirometry—1987 update. Ann Rev Respir Dis 136:1285–1298
American Thoracic Society (1991) Lung function testing: selection of reference values and interpretative strategies. Ann Rev Respir Dis 144:1202–1218
Niemeijer NR, de Monchy JG (1992) Age-dependency of sensitization to aero-allergens in asthmatics. Allergy 47:431–435
Barraclough R, Devereux G, Hendrick DJ et al (2002) Apparent but not real increase in asthma prevalence during the 1990s. Eur Respir J 20:826–833
Pallasaho P, Lundback B, Meren M et al (2002) Prevalence and risk factors for asthma and chronic bronchitis in the capitals Helsinki, Stockholm and Tallinn. Respir Med 96:759–769
Olivieri M, Verlato G, Corsico A et al (2002) Prevalence and features of allergic rhinitis in Italy. Allergy 57:600–606
O’Driscoll BRC, Milburn HJ, Kemeny DM et al (1985) Atopy and rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Allergy 15:547–553
Hassan WU, Keaney NP, Holland CD et al (1994) Bronchial reactivity and airflow obstruction in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 53:511–514
Hilliquin P, Allanore Y, Coste J et al (2000) Reduced incidence and prevalence of atopy in rheumatoid arthritis. Results of a case-control study. Rheumatology 39:1020–1026
Allanore Y, Hilliquin P, Coste J et al (1998) Decreased prevalence of atopy in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 351:497
Verhoef CM, van Roon JAG, Vianen ME et al (1998) Mutual antagonism of rheumatoid arthritis and hay fever; a role for type 1/type 2 T cell balance. Ann Rheum Dis 57:275–280
van Roon JA, Bijlsma JW, Lafeber FP (2002) Suppression of inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis may require a concerted action of Th2 cytokines. Curr Opin Investig Drugs 3:1011–1016
Kero J, Gissler M, Hemminki E et al (???) Could TH1 and TH2 disease coexist? Evaluation of asthma incidence in children with celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis: a register study. J Allergy Clin Immunol 108:781–783
Provenzano G, Donato G, Brai G et al (2002) Prevalence of allergic respiratory diseases in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 61:281
Sekigawa I, Yoshiike T, Iida N et al (2002) Allergic disorders in systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence and family history. Lupus 11:426–429
Gabriel SE (2001) The epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Clin North Am 27:269–281
Olsson AR, Skogh T, Wingren G (2001) Comorbidity and lifestyle, reproductive factors, and environmental exposures associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 60:934–939
Meretey K, Gomor B, Gorgenyi F et al (1987) Study of autoantibodies, natural antibodies and IgE level in four families with rheumatoid arthritis. Z Rheumatol 46:189–195
Herrmann D, Hein G, Jager L (1993) IgE rheumatoid factors: occurrence and diagnostic significance [German]. Immun Infekt 21 [Suppl 1]:16–17
De Clerck LS, Struyf NJ, Bridts CH et al (1989) Humoral immunity and composition of immune complexes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with special reference to IgE-containing immune complexes. Clin Exp Rheumatol 7:485–492
Hallgren R, Feltelius N, Svenson K et al (1985) Eosinophil involvement in rheumatoid arthritis as reflected by elevated serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein. Clin Exp Immunol 59:539–546
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kaptanoglu, E., Akkurt, I., Sahin, Ö. et al. Prevalence of atopy in rheumatoid arthritis in Sivas, Turkey. A prospective clinical study. Rheumatol Int 24, 267–271 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-003-0369-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-003-0369-1