C34-29 Il-18 and Neutrophils Stand Out: A Comparative Analysis of Biomarker Sex Differences in Veterans With Asthma
Abstract
Large population-based studies have shown that asthmatics of female sex have poorer disease control and greater healthcare utilization compared to asthmatics of male sex. When comparing serum biomarkers, female sex is associated with lower type 2 (T2) inflammatory biomarkers, which in turn have less therapeutic options. As phenotyping becomes standard in asthma management, biological sex may influence treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between select biomarkers and sex in a cohort of veteran asthmatics.
This study consists of a single-center cohort of adult veterans with asthma. Patients were excluded if currently smoking, vaping, on systemic steroids, or on immunosuppressive medications. Females were excluded if pregnant, lactating, post-menopausal, or with ovariectomy. Those who met inclusion criteria completed a REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) questionnaire for demographics followed by biospecimen collection. Descriptive analysis was performed on demographics. Biomarkers were analyzed with standard linear regression or rank-based regression.
In descriptive analysis, there was no significant difference between male and female sex in age, race, level of education, deployments, exacerbations, GINA step therapy, comorbid sleep-disordered breathing, gastroesophageal disease, or body mass index (BMI). Male sex had higher incidence of depression and anxiety than females (81% vs 27%, p-value 0.002). Female sex had higher incidence of…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.
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