Analysis of HLA antigens in Japanese patients with chronic sinusitis

Objectives: Genetic factors likely play a role in the etiology of chronic s inusitis and this disease is often associated with diffuse panbronchiolitis , which is strongly associated with HLA B54 antigen. The purpose of this st udy is to examine whether genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic sinusitis. Study Design: Eighty-two Japanese patients with intra ctable chronic sinusitis were selected on the basis of the following criter ia: 1) persistent mucous or mucopurulent nasal discharge and/or post-nasal dripping for longer than 3 years and 2) opacification in bilateral maxillar y sinuses and ethmoid cells in plain X-ray films. Methods: Both class I and class II HLA antigens were analyzed by conventional microcytotoxicity assa ys in these patients and 176 healthy control subjects. Results: In class I antigens, B54 antigen significantly increased in the patient group (antigen frequency = 29.3%, relative risk = 3.23, corrected P value = .037) compare d with normal control group (antigen frequency = 11.4%). For class II antig ens, no antigens were significantly increased. Conclusion: These data indic ate that certain genetic factors play a role in the etiology of chronic sin usitis.