Immunoglobulin E, atopy, and nickel allergy

Statements in the literature as to whether a relation exists between atopy and nickel allergy are contradictory. I have attempted to make the diagnosis of the two states more stringent by using immunoglobulin E (IgE) determinations and serial dilution tests with nickel sulfate. The IgE determinations proved to be of less value in cases of pure eczema, and nonspecific (?) increases were sometimes observed. The incidence of family atopy was higher in other reports, but the clinical significance of this was unclear. Serial dilution tests gave important information, and a warning is issued against uncritical acceptance of a test reaction with 5.0% nickel sulfate in a patient with suspected atopy.