Local specific IgE production in nasal polyps associated with negative skin tests and serum RAST

Eighteen of 24 patients undergoing nasal polypectomies demonstrated polyp fluid total IgE higher than corresponding serum values. Allergen-specific IgE was detected in polyp fluid of 19/24 patients. Since only 9/19 had positive skin tests, ten patients had specific IgE locally in polyp tissue which could not be detected systemically.