Ethnic differences in asthma and associated phenotypes: Collaborative study on the genetics of asthma

Abstract

Background: In the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Asthma, 314 families with 2584 subjects were characterized for asthma and allergy. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to examine clinical heterogeneity observed in asthma and allergic characteristics among 3 ethnic groups (African American, white, and Hispanic family members). Methods: Pulmonary function parameters and asthma-associated phenotypes were compared among the ethnic groups. Results: In comparison with the other groups, African American sibling pairs had a significantly lower baseline FEV1percent of predicted (P =. 0001) and a higher rate of skin test reactivity to cockroach allergen (P =. 0001); Hispanic sibling pairs had significantly more skin reactivity overall (P =. 001); and white sibling pairs had significantly lower total serum IgE (P