Autologous serum skin test as an indicator of chronic urticaria in comparison with serum IgE level at a tertiary care center in North-Eastern India

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic urticaria (CU) is as a distressing condition that may present with short-lived itchy weal, angioedema, or both. Autologous serum skin test (ASST) is a simple in vivo clinical test for the detection of basophil histamine-releasing activity. ASST is a very simple, quick test which consists of intradermal injection of patient's own serum into the volar aspect of forearm. A significant association between increased total IgE and CU severity was found. The present study was done to find out the clinical profiles of CU in MGM Medical College and LSK Hospital. ASST was done, and serum IgE level in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria estimated and to give an insight on degree of serum IgE level with ASST positivity.Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study where a total of 100 patients were enrolled. Detailed history, physical examination, and routine investigations were recorded for all patients. ASST and serum IgE were done in all patients.Results: Of total of 100 patients enrolled in the study, ASST positive group consists of 29 patients and ASST negative group consists of 71 patients. A total of 46 patients got raised IgE, and the rest 54 had normal IgE level; out of IgE positive, 34 patients were ASST negative, and rest 12 patients were ASST positive. Majority of ASST positive patients had normal serum IgE level (n = 17). Nine and three patient's IgE level were in the range of 200–300 and 300–400 IU/ml, respectively.Conclusion: The ASST is a simple, practicable in vivo intradermal test for the detection of autoimmune urticaria. There was significant association seen with the duration of disease and ASST positivity. The present study did not show any association between increased serum IgE and ASST positivity.