A comparison of the airway response to segmental antigen bronchoprovocation in atopic asthma and allergic rhinitis

A, Patients were divided into 2 arbitrary groups on the basis of the median antigen dose (37.4 PNU) administered for SBP. The dose for the group that is designated less than 40 PNU ranged from 0.3 to 16.7 PNU, with a mean ± SD of 6.7 ± 7.0 PNU; the group designated greater than 40 PNU had a range of 58 to 150 PNU, with a mean ± SD of 111 ± 40 PNU. Data represent the number of eosinophils × 10⁴/mL of BAL fluid obtained 48 hours after antigen with SBP. Circles represent data from individual subjects; bars represent the group mean ± SE. B, Patients were divided into groups on the basis of the presence or absence of an LPR (defined as an FEV₁ decrease of ≥12% 4-8 hours after inhalation antigen challenge). The percentage decrease in the group that is designated LPR 12% or greater ranged from 14% to 30%, with a mean ± SD of 19.6% ± 6.3%; the group designated LPR 12% or less had a range of 0% to 9%, with a mean ± SD of 3.4% ± 4.2%. Data represent the number of eosinophils × 10⁴/mL of BAL fluid obtained 48 hours after antigen with SBP. Circles represent data from individual subjects; bars represent the group mean ± SE. LPR data were available from 8 patients with asthma and 6 patients with rhinitis. EOS, Eosinophils; Ag, antigen.