Immunoglobulin E in psoriasis evaluated by paper radioimmunosorbent and paper enzyme-immunosorbent tests

Serum IgE concentrations were determined by the paper radioimmunosorbent test in 56 patients with psoriasis and 50 normal controls, and by the paper enzyme-immunosorbent test in 32 of these patients and 50 controls. Elevated IgE levels were found in 26 (46%) of 56 patients with psoriasis and in 1 normal control (2%). The mean value (208 U/ml) in 56 patients was significantly higher than in normal controls (31 U/ml). Thirteen of 19 patients (68%) with extensive involvement (greater than 20% body surface) had an increased IgE level; the mean value (365 U/ml) was 4 times greater than in 17 patients with limited lesions (89 U/ml) and 12 times higher than in 50 normal controls (31 U/ml). No correlation was found between serum IgE levels and the presence of psoriatic arthritis. Both paper radioimmunosorbent and paper enzyme-immunosorbent testing produced similar results.