The Relationship between Asthma Severity and Blood Biomarkers: Serum Periostin and IgE Levels in Iraqi Population

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between asthma severity and two blood biomarkers, serum periostin and IgE levels in Iraqi patients with asthma.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kufa from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024.
Methods: One hundred and fifty three asthmatic patients were enrolled. Individuals diagnosed with asthma, according to GINA criteria patients should meet the criteria; history of respiratory symptoms, such as wheeze, persistent dry cough or dyspnea at rest or on exertion that fluctuate in terms of duration and severity and low respiratory indices. Asthma severity was classified based on predicted FEV1 values: mild (>80%), moderate (60- 80%), and severe (<60%). Serum periostin and IgE levels were measured. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Chi-square tests.
Results: A significant association was found between asthma severity and IgE levels (p = 0.046), with higher IgE levels in severe cases. Although serum periostin levels increased with asthma severity, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.051). Mild cases had the lowest mean periostin levels, while severe cases had the highest.
Conclusion: Serum IgE levels showed a significant correlation with asthma severity, supporting its role in
identifying allergic phenotypes. Serum periostin levels increased with severity, suggesting a potential role in airway remodeling, although statistical significance was not achieved. The combined use of these biomarkers may enhance asthma characterization and support personalized management strategies.