[Determination of allergen-specific IgE in patients with atopy or allergy symptoms]

We investigated the role of specific IgE assay in the diagnosis in patients found to be atopic or allergic by history and physical examination.

Serum specific IgE levels were measured by the chemiluminescent assay in 143 adults (58 females, 85 males; mean age 34.3 years; range 16 to 62 years) and in 113 children (62 girls, 51 boys; mean age 10.2 years; range 5 to 16 years) with rhinitis, asthma, or dermatitis. The results were analyzed in six groups depending on the specific IgE level (no specific IgE, very low, low, moderate, high, and very high levels). The specific IgE threshold for a negative or positive result was accepted as 0.70 IU/ml. Allergen-specific IgE antibodies were sought for 35 allergens in adults, and for 19 allergens in children.

Specific IgE levels were positive (>0.70 IU/ml) in 92 adults (64.34%) and in 50 children (44.25%). Hypersensitivity to individual allergens ranged between 20.08% and 41.96% in adults, and between 17.70% and 28.32% in children. Fourteen adults and eight children showed sensitivity to a single allergen; the remaining patients were sensitive to at least two allergens.

Detection of sensitivity to allergens is complementary to findings obtained by history and physical examination and may help to reveal allergic etiology in patients presenting with a similar symptom profile.