IgE values in the allergic and healthy Israeli population

This study was designed to establish IgE values in different allergic diseases in an Israeli population and healthy controls. The geometric mean IgE in the control group was 41 IU/mL (range = 15 to 111 IU/mL) and in the atopic group 142 IU/mL (range = 36 to 556 IU/mL). The highest values were found in patients with asthma plus allergic rhinitis plus atopic dermatitis and asthma plus atopic dermatitis. The lowest values were from patients with urticaria. There was a gradual increase in IgE levels from 4 to 10 years and then a gradual decrease. IgE was significantly higher in males, particularly in the 21 to 40-year age group and above 60 years. There was no difference in IgE levels in the various ethnic groups. There was a correlation between IgE levels and the number of positive skin tests. Peripheral eosinophilia was found in one-third of the patients with low IgE and in 2/3 of the patients with IgE above 500 IU/mL. An IgE of 120 IU/mL or more was found in 56% of patients with asthma in addition to other atopic diseases. Only 10% of normal controls had an IgE value of 120 IU/mL or more. These results are similar to those reported from European and North American countries.