Serum allergen-specific IgE, allergic rhinitis severity, and age

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated condition.
• Immune function typically declines with age.
• A common belief suggests reduced allergic symptoms and IgE production in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of aging on serum allergen-specific IgE levels.
• To assess the effect of age on AR symptom severity in mono-allergic individuals.

Main Methods:

• Serum IgE levels were measured using immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) in 8098 subjects.
• AR symptom severity was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in 531 mono-allergic patients.
• Specific allergens included birch, Bet v 1, Parietaria, and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

Main Results:

• IgE levels for Bet v 1, birch, and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus decreased significantly with age.
• IgE to Parietaria did not show a significant age-related decline.
• Elderly AR patients (over 65) had lower IgE, VAS scores, and fewer sensitizations compared to adults (18-65).
• A strong positive correlation between VAS and IgE was observed in both age groups.

Conclusions:

• Allergen-specific IgE levels generally decrease with aging, with variations across different allergens.
• Reduced IgE levels are typically associated with diminished AR symptom severity.
• Elderly AR patients may present a distinct phenotype with milder symptoms, lower IgE, and reduced sensitization.
• The strong correlation between IgE and symptom severity persists in the elderly, highlighting a consistent link between allergy and symptoms.