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Correlation between conjunctival provocation test (CPT) and systemic allergometric tests in allergic conjunctivitis.
A Leonardi1, I A Fregona, M Gismondi
1Regional Centre for the Diagnosis and the Treatment of Inflammatory Eye Diseases, University of Padova, Italy.
Eye (London, England)
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Conjunctival Provocation Test (CPT) offers a more accurate diagnosis for ocular allergies than systemic tests. CPT identifies specific conjunctival sensitization, improving diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Allergology
- Immunology
Background:
- Allergic conjunctivitis, often presenting as 'hay fever' type symptoms, requires accurate diagnosis.
- Systemic allergy tests (skin prick tests and RAST) may not always reflect localized conjunctival responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the Conjunctival Provocation Test (CPT) for ocular allergy.
- To determine the correlation between CPT and established systemic allergy tests (skin/RAST) in patients with allergic conjunctivitis.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 144 patients diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis.
- Comparison of results from CPT with skin prick tests and Radioallergosorbent tests (RAST).
- Measurement of histamine levels in tears following CPT.
Main Results:
- A 71% agreement was observed between CPT and systemic tests (skin/RAST).
- 23% of cases showed systemic sensitization without conjunctival response (skin/RAST positive, CPT negative).
- 6% of cases indicated conjunctival sensitization not detected by systemic tests (CPT positive, skin/RAST negative).
- CPT significantly increased tear histamine levels (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Systemic tests can be misleading, suggesting sensitization not present in the conjunctiva.
- CPT can identify localized conjunctival sensitization independently of systemic findings.
- CPT may reveal allergens responsible for ocular symptoms that differ from those causing systemic sensitization.