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ATOPIC STATUS PROTECTS FROM SEVERE COMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19
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  • Enrico Scala,
  • Damiano Abeni,
  • Alberto Tedeschi,
  • Giuseppina Manzotti,
  • Baoran Yang,
  • Paolo Borrelli,
  • Mauro Giani,
  • Alessandro Marra,
  • Antonio Sgadari,
  • Francesca Saltalamacchia,
  • Riccardo Asero
Enrico Scala
IDI - IRCCS

Corresponding Author:e.scala@idi.it

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Damiano Abeni
IDI - IRCCS
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Alberto Tedeschi
Ospedale Bolognini di Seriate
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Giuseppina Manzotti
Casa di Cura Palazzolo
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Baoran Yang
Azienda Ospedaliera Carlo Poma
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Paolo Borrelli
Ospedale Beauregard
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Mauro Giani
Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata IRCCS
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Alessandro Marra
ASST-Rhodense, PO Rho
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Antonio Sgadari
Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico
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Francesca Saltalamacchia
Ospedale Bolognini di Seriate
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Riccardo Asero
San Carlo Clinic
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Severe Covid-19 is associated with a cytokine storm leading to the hyper-expression of cytokines such as IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-6, which may be responsible for most severe symptoms and signs of the disease. The immune response of the atopic patient is mostly Th2-oriented, associated with the expression of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, and atopic patients express fewer ACE-2 receptors than non-atopic individuals do. We assessed whether atopic status may protect from the most severe consequences of Covid-19. METHODS: Atopic status along with co-factors such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and thrombosis was investigated in severe Covid-19 patients admitted to different Italian hospitals. Patients were classified as having a mild, severe, or very severe disease based on the need of respiratory assistance; severity was plotted against the different co-factors and underwent multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 531 adults aged 25 - 100 years were studied; 57 (11.7%) were atopic. Atopic status showed a significant association with a milder disease irrespective of all other co-factors considered (p <0.001); the protective effect of atopy was detectable throughout all age groups (p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Atopic status appears to protect from the most severe consequences of Covid-19.
16 Aug 2020Published in Allergy. 10.1111/all.14551