Prevalence and risk factors for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in Indian children with cystic fibrosis.

Objective: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a common complication in patients with cystic fibrosis. This cross-sectional study was planned to determine the prevalence and risk factors for ABPA in Indian children with cystic fibrosis.

Methods: Clinical evaluation, spirometry, chest radiograph, sputum, total IgE, specific IgE for Aspergillus fumigatus, IgG precipitins and skin prick tests were done in 33 CF patients.

Results: Prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis was 18.2% (95% CI 6.9% - 35.4%): allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis was higher in patients with low cystic fibrosis score, age >12 years, atopy, and eosinophilia.

Conclusions: Prevalence of ABPA is higher in Indian children with cystic fibrosis.