Total serum IgE levels in children with pertussis

Total serum IgE levels were evaluated in 20 children with pertussis. Increased levels of serum IgE were observed in the group of children between the ages of 3 and 12 years, while normal levels of serum IgE were detected in the groups of children between birth and 24 months old and between 13 and 24 months old. A further and significant increment of serum IgE levels was also found after 10 days of hospitalization.