[Incidence of cutaneous sensitization to environmental allergens in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]

A skin prick test was performed in 75 patients with an obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) to test allergic skin reactivity to 18 common inhalant allergens. Additionally, anterior rhinomanometry was performed. Results were compared with a group of 21 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and with 198 workers of the chemical industry. A positive (> or = 4 mm wheal diameter) skin test to at least one allergene was present in 49 per cent of the OSAS patients, compared to 14 per cent in COPD patients and 28 per cent in industrial workers (p < 0.05; chi 2-test)-33 per cent (n = 25) of the OSAS patients with a sleep apnea syndrome showed skin reactivity to house dust mite (D. ph., D. f.) compared to 9.5 per cent in COPD patients and 12.6 per cent in industrial workers (p < 0.05 chi 2-test). No difference was found between anthropometric, polysomnographic, or rhinomanometric data comparing OSAS patients with positive skin reactions against house dust mites (n = 25) and those without any allergic skin reactivity (n = 38).