Inhaled steroid inhibits development of total and mite IgE

Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and allergen-specific IgE are related to asthma severity and risk factors for persistent asthma in childhood wheezing. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) have been the most effective therapy in children with asthma, as well as in adults. The serum levels of total and mite specific IgE in children with asthma and the effects on IgE levels of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) treatment on IgE levels in asthmatic children were investigated. First, a cross-sectional study of 255 children with asthma was carried out to measure IgE levels. Children under three years of age with asthma who were negative for Df-specific IgE were then treated with BDP or disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) as controls for one year. Serum IgE levels, numbers of eosinophils in peripheral blood and clinical variables were determined before and after treatment. After one-year DSCG treatment, the total IgE levels increased significantly, whereas the levels remained the same during BDP treatment. Five of 22 (23%) patients in the DSCG-treated group became positive for Df-specific IgE; however, only one of 13 (8%) in the BDP-treated group became positive. Taken together, ICS therapy may modulate the levels of total IgE and allergen-specific IgE.