High Total IgE Levels Research Articles

Atopik Dermatiti Olan Çocuklarda Staphylococcus Aureus Kolonizasyonu ve Kolonizasyonu Etkileyen Faktörler

Objective: The aims of the study were to evaluate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) colonization and to determine the risk factors related to colonization. Materials and Methods: Nasal swab cultures were obtained from all participants. Lesional skin swabs were taken from atopic children and fingertip skin swabs were taken from healthy controls. The severity of atopic dermatitis was evaluated by using the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and Eczema Severity and Scoring Index (EASI) scores at the beginning and also at the end of the study after a year of follow-up. Serum total IgE levels were measured. Atopic status was evaluated by skin prick tests. Results: Nasal S. aureus colonization was higher in children with atopic dermatitis compared to healthy controls (p=0.034). Both nasal and skin S. aureus colonization was associated with disease severity (p=0.047, p=0.04, respectively). Nasal S. aureus colonization was significantly associated with male gender, high serum total IgE levels, extrinsic atopic dermatitis and skin S. aureus colonization (p<0.05). Skin S. aureus colonization was only associated with nasal S. aureus colonization (p=0.012). In logistic regression analysis, female gender [p=0.04, adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR):0.15, 95% Coefficient Interval (CI): 0.28-0.916], and having non-colonized skin with S.aureus (p=0.027, aOR:0.14, 95% CI:0.26-0.807) were associated with lower risk for nasal S. aureus colonization, whereas, high serum total IgE levels were associated with increased risk for nasal S. aureus colonization (p=0.026, aOR:1.04; 95% CI: 1.001-1.008). Conclusion: Nasal S. aureus colonization is high in children with atopic dermatitis. Both nasal and skin S. aureus colonization are associated with disease severity. Male gender, high serum IgE levels and skin S. aureus colonization are associated with nasal S. aureus colonization.

Blood granulocyte patterns as predictors of asthma phenotypes in adults from the EGEA study

To what extent blood granulocyte patterns may predict asthma control remains under-studied. Our aim was to study associations between blood neutrophilia and eosinophilia and asthma control outcomes in adults.Analyses were conducted in 474 asthmatics from the first follow-up of the Epidemiological Study on the Genetics and Environment of Asthma (EGEA2), including 242 asthmatics who were adults a decade earlier (EGEA1). At EGEA2, asthma control was assessed using the Global Initiative for Asthma definition (2015), and asthma exacerbations by use of urgent care or courses of oral corticosteroids in the past year. Blood EOSlo/EOShi was defined as </≥250 eosinophils·mm-3, respectively, and NEUlo/NEUhi as </≥5000 neutrophils·mm-3, respectively. Estimates were adjusted for age, sex and smoking.At EGEA2, NEUhi was associated with asthma exacerbations and poor asthma control (OR >2.10). EOShi was associated with higher bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) (OR (95% CI) 2.21 (1.24-3.97)), poor lung function (p=0.02) and higher total IgE level (p=0.002). Almost 50% of asthmatics had a persistent pattern between surveys. Persistent NEUhi was associated with poor asthma control at EGEA2 (OR (95% CI) 3.09 (1.18-7.05)). EOShi at EGEA1 and persistent EOShi were associated with higher BHR (OR (95% CI) 2.36 (1.10-5.07) and 3.85 (1.11-13.34), respectively), poor lung function (p<0.06) and higher immunoglobulin E level (p<10-4) at EGEA2.Granulocyte patterns were differently associated with asthma outcomes, suggesting specific roles for each one, which could be tested as predictive signatures.

Evaluation of the association between sensitization to common inhalant fungi and poor asthma control

BackgroundFungi are well-known airborne allergens that are predisposing environmental factors to asthma. Few comparative studies have evaluated sensitization to common inhalant fungi in relation to poor asthma control in patients with asthma. ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between sensitization to individual fungi and asthma control and elucidate the characteristics of patients with poorly controlled asthma sensitized to fungi. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed at Showa University Hospital between September 2014 and December 2014. The specific IgE levels for several major aeroallergens, including house dust mites, Japanese cedar, various types of pollen, furry animals, or insects, were measured with a fluorescent enzyme immunoassay in 160 patients with adult asthma. ResultsFungal sensitization was predominant in men with asthma, and it was associated with poor asthma control. Sensitization to house dust mites, Japanese cedar, pollen, furry animals, or insects was not associated with poor asthma control. Logistic regression analyses revealed that patients sensitized to Aspergillus and Penicillium had a significantly increased risk of poor asthma control. More Penicillium IgE–positive patients were men and pet owners compared with Penicillium IgE–negative patients; in addition, Penicillium IgE–positive patients had higher total IgE levels. The Asthma Control Test level was significantly higher in Penicillium IgE–positive patients than in Penicillium IgE–negative patients. However, there were no differences in fractional exhaled nitric oxide, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Finally, sensitization to Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Trichophyton were positively correlated with sensitization to Penicillium. ConclusionSensitization to fungi is predominant in men, and it is associated with poor asthma control. In particular, sensitization to Penicillium and Aspergillus is a risk factor for asthma severity. These results have potential relevance in asthma management.

Latex sensitization prevalence through prick test in patients with genitourinary malformations and more than 3 surgeries

Latex allergy is a public health issue. It presents elevated prevalence in known risk groups, especially in those patients with spine bifida condition, urinal malformation and for those with orthopedic problems - multiple surgeries. Health Services in Mexico do not have the enough studies about prevalence and risk associated to latex allergy. Determine latex sensitization prevalence through PRICK test in patients with genitourinary malformations and more than 3 surgeries in UMAE pediatric CMNO unit, considering too related factors. An analytical and descriptive cross-sectional study was performed, which included men and women from 1 to 16 years with genitourinary malformations and more than three surgeries performed. A survey to know the risk factors associated and skin puncture test was performed with latex extract, with positive and negative control. Serum levels of total IgE and eosinophils were measured in peripheral blood. The study exposed prevalence of 30.72%. Related to associated factors as follows: atopy (p=0.047), previous antecedent reaction to latex products (p=0.003) specific for balloons (p=0.000) and gloves (p=0.002). There was not association related to amount of surgeries and surgical interventions on early age, either for high levels of total serum IgE. Prevalence to latex sensitization is high in risk groups. Especially in those with atopy thereby is important for health personal to identify these patients in order to implement on time the preventive primary/secondary measures. With these actions potential mortal risks like anaphylaxis will be avoided. This will decrease sanitary costs and mortality.

Extra-intestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: related to high total IgE levels and atopic sensitization?

ABSTRACTObjective We have previously found that high levels of total IgE, but not atopic sensitization, was a significant predictor for functional gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of extra-intestinal symptoms in IBS patients, and explore their relation to total IgE levels and atopic sensitization. Materials and methods Seventy-one patients with functional GI complaints were included. Severity of GI symptoms, fatigue and musculoskeletal pain was evaluated using the following questionnaires: IBS-Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS), Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), FibroFatigue Scale (FFS), and Visual Analog Scales (VAS) for musculoskeletal pain. Levels of total IgE and specific IgE-antibodies were analyzed. Results Fatigue and musculoskeletal pain were demonstrated in 78.9 and 43.7% of the patients, respectively. IBS-SSS scores were significantly correlated with fatigue scores and musculoskeletal pain. Patients with fatigue and musculoskeletal pain had significantly higher IBS-SSS scores than patients without fatigue and musculoskeletal pain. Total IgE levels were significantly higher in IBS patients compared to a healthy control group from a previous study. However, neither total IgE nor atopic sensitization was significantly associated with extra-intestinal symptoms. Conclusions IBS, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain were significantly associated. Total IgE levels were higher in IBS patients than healthy controls, but not related to intestinal or extra-intestinal symptom severity. Atopy was not associated with any of the co-morbidities. Thus, the clinical significance of high IgE levels in IBS remains unclear and further studies are warranted to explore a common underlying mechanism for the co-morbid triad of IBS, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain.

Clinical profile of patients with adult-onset eosinophilic asthma.

Adult-onset eosinophilic asthma is increasingly recognised as a severe and difficult-to-treat subtype of asthma. In clinical practice, early recognition of patients with this asthma subtype is important because it may have treatment implications. Therefore, physicians need to know the distinct characteristics of this asthma phenotype. The objective of the present study was to determine the characteristic profile of patients with adult-onset eosinophilic asthma.130 patients with adult-onset (>18 years of age) asthma and high blood eosinophil counts (≥0.3×109 L−1) were compared with 361 adult-onset asthma patients with low (<0.3×109 L−1) blood eosinophils. Measurements included a series of clinical, functional and imaging parameters.Patients with high blood eosinophils were more often male, had less well controlled asthma and higher exacerbation rates, despite the use of higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids. They had higher levels of total IgE without more sensitisation to common inhaled allergens. In addition, these patients had worse lung function, and more often showed fixed airflow limitation, air trapping, nasal polyposis and abnormalities on sinus computed tomography scanning. Chronic rhinosinusitis, air trapping and male sex were three independent factors associated with blood eosinophilia (adjusted OR 3.8 (95% CI 1.7–8.1), 3.0 (95% CI 1.1–8.1) and 2.4 (95% CI 1.3–4.4), respectively).Patients with adult-onset asthma with elevated blood eosinophils exhibit a distinct profile, which can readily be recognised in clinical practice.

The Mechanisms of the Regulation of Immune Response in Patients with Comorbidity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma.

Background. Comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma (asthma COPD overlap syndrome, ACOS) is a significant problem in pulmonary practice, whose pathogenetic issues are not clarified yet. Objective. To study the features of the regulation of immune response in patients with comorbid COPD and asthma. Methods. We assessed the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, CD19+, CD25+, HLA-DR, total IgE, TNF-α, IL-4, IFN-γ, TXB2, and LTB4 in patients with comorbid COPD and asthma. Results. The study involved 44 people with COPD, 39 people with asthma, and 12 people with comorbid COPD and asthma. The specific features in comorbid COPD and asthma were lymphocytosis, increased absolute count of T-helper cells, increased cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in relative and absolute count, increased relative and absolute numbers of B-lymphocytes, and high levels of total IgE. The elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-4 and inhibition of IFN-γ production were detected. The content of LTB4 was maximal; TXB2 levels were higher than in control group but lower than in COPD and asthma. Conclusion. In comorbid COPD and asthma inflammation increased even during stable period. High levels of eicosanoids, low production of Th1-type cytokines, and active synthesis of opposition IL-4, along with increased IgE, indicate the activation of Th2-type immune response.

The relation between nonspecific hyperreactivity of the airways and atopic constitution in asthmatics.

Hyperreactivity of the airways caused by inflammation in asthmatics is the most important pathophysiological change. It represents a suitable ground that in the presence of risk factors and the drivers of asthma, asthmatic attack occurs. Atopic constitution is one of the most important risk factors for the development and expression of asthma. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between nonspecific airway hyperreactivity and atopic constituton in asthmatics. This retrospective analysis was conducted considering the results of nonspecific bronchoprovocative test with histamine, skin tests to inhalant allergens and total IgE levels in the serum of asthmatic patients with controlled bronchial asthma. The sample consisted of 162 asthmatics examined during one-year period. The examinees were male asthmatic patients, aged between 18 and 30 years. We found that the examinees with a pronounced non-specific hyperreactivity had more significant skin reaction to inhaled allergens and higher levels of total IgE in serum. The results of our study show that the intensity of airway hyperresponsiveness to histamine in asthmatics is directly related to atopic constitution.

Investigation of Skin Barrier Functions and Allergic Sensitization in Patients with Hyper-IgE Syndrome.

Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) is a severe primary immunodeficiency, characterized by increased serum IgE levels as well as recurrent infections and atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions. AD is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with immunologic alterations (Th2-Th22 polarization) and characteristic skin barrier dysfunctions. Our aim was to investigate physicochemical skin barrier alterations and allergic sensitization in STAT3-HIES patients in order to explore whether skin barrier dysfunction can play a role in the eczematoid skin lesions in these patients. In our experiments STAT3 and FLG mutation analyses were performed in STAT3-HIES (n = 7) and AD (n = 49) patients. Laboratory parameters (LDH and Eos counts), immunologic alterations (Th17 cell counts), allergic sensitization (total and specific IgE levels, skin prick tests, and medical history records), skin barrier changes [transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin pH], serum and stratum corneum thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels were also examined. Impaired Th17 cell numbers, but normal physicochemical barrier functions, as well as serum and stratum corneum TSLP levels, were found in STAT3-HIES, while these parameters were significantly altered in AD patients. Allergic sensitization was detected in nearly all AD patients, while no signs of sensitization occurred in STAT3-HIES. Our study demonstrated that the skin barrier functions of STAT3-HIES patients are not damaged and they differ significantly from the altered skin barrier functions of AD patients. A well-functioning physicochemical skin barrier may be one of the explanations on the contradiction between the extremely high total IgE levels and the lack of allergic sensitization in these patients. Our study underlines the importance of skin barrier in the development of allergic sensitization.

Are atopy and eosinophilic bronchial inflammation associated with relapsing forms of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps?

BackgroundThe aetiopathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is still unknown. The role of atopy and the concept of united airways in such patients are still a matter of debate. In this pilot study we aimed at evaluating the degree of eosinophilic inflammation and the frequency of atopy in a cohort of CRSwNP patients candidate for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and assessing the association between these factors and relapsing forms of CRSwNP.Methods30 patients (18 men, 12 women) with CRSwNP eligible for FESS were evaluated before and after surgery. Preoperative investigation included: history of previous relapse after FESS, clinical and laboratory allergologic assessment, spirometry, methacholine challenge, blood eosinophilia and determination of the fraction of nitric oxide in exhaled air (FeNO). Nasal fibroendoscopy, spirometry and FeNO determination were also assessed prospectively at 3 and 27 months post-FESS.Results18/30 subjects were atopic, 6/18 (33 %) were monosensitized, 16/30 (53 %) were asthmatics and 10/30 (33 %) had non steroidalantinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) hypersensitivity. Twenty-one patients (70 %) were classified as relapsers, 15/18 (83 %) among atopics, 6/12 (50 %) among non atopics (p = 0.05). Among patients with NSAIDs hypersensitivity, 9/10 (90 %) were relapsers. The median IgE concentration was 161.5 UI/mL in relapsers and 79 UI/mL in non-relapsers (ns). The mean FeNO decreased after FESS (43.1–26.6 ppb) in 84 % of patients, but this effect disappeared over time (FeNO = 37.7 ppb at 27 months). Higher levels of FeNO pre-FESS were detected in atopics, and in particular in relapsing ones (median 51.1 ppb vs 22.1, ns). Higher levels of FeNO pre-FESS were detected in asthmatic patients, especially in those who relapsed (median: 67 vs 64.85 ppb in non-relapsed patients, ns). The Tiffeneau Index (FEV1/FVC) was significantly lower in asthmatic relapsers than in non relapsers asthmatics (94.7 ± 11.1 versus 105 ± 5.9—p = 0.04). Patients with asthma and atopy had a major risk of relapse (p = 0.05).ConclusionIn our pilot study, atopy, severe asthma, bronchial inflammation, NSAIDs hypersensitivity and high level of total IgE are possible useful prognostic factors for the proneness to relapse after FESS. The role of allergy in CRSwNP pathogenesis should consequently be given deeper consideration. Allergen specific immunotherapy, combined with anti-IgE therapy, may have an immunomodulatory effect preventing polyps relapse and need to be investigated.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12948-015-0026-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms Are Associated with Higher Serum Total IgE Levels, but Less Atopic Sensitization.

The relation of gastrointestinal (GI) complaints to IgE-mediated allergy is not well understood. Increased numbers of "IgE-armed" mast cells have been observed in duodenal mucosa of patients with functional GI complaints. To explore whether total IgE and atopic sensitization were associated with functional GI complaints. Levels of serum total and specific IgE and GI complaints were measured in 161 patients and in a general population sample of 478 persons. Standard inhalant allergens were measured in the patient group, and selected inhalant allergens in the general population. GI complaints were assessed by two standardized questionnaires. The associations between GI complaints and total IgE were analyzed in multiple regression models. GI complaints were positively associated with higher total IgE levels (all: b = 0.028, p = 0.012; patient group: b = 0.038, p = 0.072; general population: b = 0.038, p = 0.005), but negatively associated with atopic sensitization (all: b = -11.256, p = 0.181; patient group: b = -85.667, p < 0.001; general population: b = -14.394, p = 0.083). The relationship between total IgE and GI complaints was consistent among sensitized and non-sensitized persons, among men and women, and across age groups. Serum total IgE was positively associated with GI complaints, while atopic sensitization was inversely associated with GI complaints. This suggests that IgE-mediated immunology plays a role in the pathophysiology of functional GI complaints. The biological mechanisms reflected in higher total IgE levels, but less atopic sensitization, warrant further studies.

Une cause rare d’asthme éosinophilique : le syndrome hyper-IgG4 (maladie fibro-sclérosante liée aux IgG4)

The hyper-IgG4 syndrome is an emerging disease with various thoracic manifestations: eosinophilic asthma, adenomegalies or mediastinal fibrosis, asthma, infiltrative pneumonia, nodules or pseudo-tumors with bronchial and pleural localizations. We report the case of a 38-year-old woman who was admitted for acute exacerbation of eosinophilic asthma with high total IgE levels. A medical history of idiopathic acute pancreatitis, associated with sclerosing cholangitis and renal failure, suggested a diagnosis of hyper-IgG4 syndrome in this woman with late-onset severe and non-atopic asthma. A previous hepatic histology and a reinterpretation of renal tomodensitometry have confirmed this hypothesis. The hyper-IgG4 syndrome is responsible of different clinico-radiological patterns that should be evoked because of the pejorative evolution of this steroid sensitive disease.

High serum β-lactams specific/total IgE ratio is associated with immediate reactions to β-lactams antibiotics.

Total serum IgE result from the combination of specific and non-specific pools. High specific/total IgE ratio may reflect high level of allergen-specific IgE on mast cells. No data regarding its applications to drug allergies is available. One hundred seventy-one patients with a history of immediate reactions to β-lactams, confirmed by positive skin testing, and 122 control subjects tolerant to β-lactams, were studied. CAP System was used for the detection of serum total and specific IgE antibodies. The specific/total IgE ratio was tested for diagnostic accuracy compared with conventional criteria. We finally performed a simulation study to expand our investigation of the performance of the specific/total IgE ratio index in a scenario in which the new CAP detection threshold is lowered further. Specific/total IgE ratio values ≥0.002 were observed more frequently in reactive than in controls. Seventy-four of 80 subjects with values ≥0.002 were allergic to β-lactams, yielding a positive predictive value of 92.5%. The application of specific/total IgE ratio significantly improves the positive likelihood ratio and the overall diagnostic performance. In addition, we showed the capability of this new criterion to identify true reactive patients even among subjects with high levels of total IgE (>200 kU/L). Significant increase in both receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and sensitivity were observed in imputed case of the simulation study. The β-lactams-specific/total IgE ratio may be an additional index compared to the common criterion of positivity to a single hapten in the allergological work-up of patients with β-lactams immediate adverse reactions.

Pediatric severe asthma with fungal sensitization is mediated by steroid-resistant IL-33

BackgroundThe mechanism underlying severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) is unknown. IL-33 is important in fungus-induced asthma exacerbations, but its role in fungal sensitization is unexplored.ObjectiveWe sought to determine whether fungal sensitization in children with severe therapy-resistant asthma is mediated by IL-33.MethodsEighty-two children (median age, 11.7 years; 63% male) with severe therapy-resistant asthma were included. SAFS (n = 38) was defined as specific IgE or skin prick test response positivity to Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, or Cladosporium herbarum. Clinical features and airway immunopathology were assessed. Chronic exposure to house dust mite and A alternata were compared in a neonatal mouse model.ResultsChildren with SAFS had earlier symptom onset (0.5 vs 1.5 years, P = .006), higher total IgE levels (637 vs 177 IU/mL, P = .002), and nonfungal inhalant allergen-specific IgE. Significantly more children with SAFS were prescribed maintenance oral steroids (42% vs 14%, P = .02). SAFS was associated with higher airway IL-33 levels. In neonatal mice A alternata exposure induced higher serum IgE levels, pulmonary IL-33 levels, and IL-13+ innate lymphoid cell (ILC) and TH2 cell numbers but similar airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) compared with those after house dust mite exposure. Lung IL-33 levels, IL-13+ ILC numbers, TH2 cell numbers, IL-13 levels, and AHR remained increased with inhaled budesonide during A alternata exposure, but all features were significantly reduced in ST2−/− mice lacking a functional receptor for IL-33.ConclusionPediatric SAFS was associated with more oral steroid therapy and higher IL-33 levels. A alternata exposure resulted in increased IL-33–mediated ILC2 numbers, TH2 cell numbers, and steroid-resistant AHR. IL-33 might be a novel therapeutic target for SAFS.

Hospital admission associates with higher total IgE level in pediatric patients with asthma

Hospital admission associates with higher total IgE level in pediatric patients with asthma

Hypogammaglobulinemia in Preschool Children with Allergic Disease

RationaleAllergic diseases result in recurrent respiratory symptoms. On the other hand, impaired humoral immune response may be a cause of recurrent respiratory symptoms/infections.Preschool children are prone to recurrent respiratory infections. In this study, we investigated the presence of hypogammaglobulinemia in preschool children with allergic disease and recurrent respiratory infections.Methods62 children (0-5 years) who admitted to the Pediatric Allergy Immunology Department between 2009 and 2014 with the allergic complaints were included to the study. The presence of atopy were confirmed with skin prick test positivity, positive spesific IgE levels and high total IgE levels. Serum IgG, IgA, IgM and total IgE levels were measured and evaluated based on age.Results23 of the patients were girls and 39 of them were boys. Mean age was 34.7±17.6 months. Totally 15 patients had hypogammaglobulinemia. 8 of them (12.9 %) had low IgG levels, four of them (6.5%) had low IgM levels and 10 patients (16.1%) had low IgA levels. Among the patients who have hypogammaglobulinemia (8 children), three children have food allergy, three children have urticaria, one child has got asthma, one child has got allergic rhinitis. Among the patients who have low IgM levels (four children), two of them have urticaria, one child has got food allergy and one child has got asthma. Five children who have low IgA levels have food allergy, three of them have urticaria an done of the has got asthma.ConclusionsThe allergic preschool children with recurrent respiratory infection should be screened for hypogammaglobulinemia. RationaleAllergic diseases result in recurrent respiratory symptoms. On the other hand, impaired humoral immune response may be a cause of recurrent respiratory symptoms/infections.Preschool children are prone to recurrent respiratory infections. In this study, we investigated the presence of hypogammaglobulinemia in preschool children with allergic disease and recurrent respiratory infections. Allergic diseases result in recurrent respiratory symptoms. On the other hand, impaired humoral immune response may be a cause of recurrent respiratory symptoms/infections. Preschool children are prone to recurrent respiratory infections. In this study, we investigated the presence of hypogammaglobulinemia in preschool children with allergic disease and recurrent respiratory infections. Methods62 children (0-5 years) who admitted to the Pediatric Allergy Immunology Department between 2009 and 2014 with the allergic complaints were included to the study. The presence of atopy were confirmed with skin prick test positivity, positive spesific IgE levels and high total IgE levels. Serum IgG, IgA, IgM and total IgE levels were measured and evaluated based on age. 62 children (0-5 years) who admitted to the Pediatric Allergy Immunology Department between 2009 and 2014 with the allergic complaints were included to the study. The presence of atopy were confirmed with skin prick test positivity, positive spesific IgE levels and high total IgE levels. Serum IgG, IgA, IgM and total IgE levels were measured and evaluated based on age. Results23 of the patients were girls and 39 of them were boys. Mean age was 34.7±17.6 months. Totally 15 patients had hypogammaglobulinemia. 8 of them (12.9 %) had low IgG levels, four of them (6.5%) had low IgM levels and 10 patients (16.1%) had low IgA levels. Among the patients who have hypogammaglobulinemia (8 children), three children have food allergy, three children have urticaria, one child has got asthma, one child has got allergic rhinitis. Among the patients who have low IgM levels (four children), two of them have urticaria, one child has got food allergy and one child has got asthma. Five children who have low IgA levels have food allergy, three of them have urticaria an done of the has got asthma. 23 of the patients were girls and 39 of them were boys. Mean age was 34.7±17.6 months. Totally 15 patients had hypogammaglobulinemia. 8 of them (12.9 %) had low IgG levels, four of them (6.5%) had low IgM levels and 10 patients (16.1%) had low IgA levels. Among the patients who have hypogammaglobulinemia (8 children), three children have food allergy, three children have urticaria, one child has got asthma, one child has got allergic rhinitis. Among the patients who have low IgM levels (four children), two of them have urticaria, one child has got food allergy and one child has got asthma. Five children who have low IgA levels have food allergy, three of them have urticaria an done of the has got asthma. ConclusionsThe allergic preschool children with recurrent respiratory infection should be screened for hypogammaglobulinemia. The allergic preschool children with recurrent respiratory infection should be screened for hypogammaglobulinemia.

Hospital Admission Associated with Higher Total IgE Level in Pediatric Patients with Asthma

Hospital Admission Associated with Higher Total IgE Level in Pediatric Patients with Asthma

Evaluation of Serum Immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, IgM and Total IgE in Chronic Alcoholics: A Community-based Study

Long-term intake of alcohol affects virtually every organ in the body including the immune system. The relation between alcohol abuse and immunoglobulin production has not been studied in Indian population. Serum levels of immunoglobulins (total IgE, IgG, IgM, and IgA) therefore, were analyzed in adult chronic alcoholics and were correlated with different epidemiological and alcohol-related parameters. The results showed that 98% of alcoholics had abnormal immunoglobulin levels and 92% showed high or very high total serum IgE levels compared to 24% of the control group. Long term and moderate consumption of alcohol were also associated with frequent infections. Serum immunoglobulin assay including total IgE may be helpful in screening and assessment of chronicity of alcohol abuse.

Total serum IgE level influences oral food challenge tests for IgE-mediated food allergies.

Probability curves predicting oral food challenge test (OFC) results based on specific IgE levels are widely used to prevent serious allergic reactions. Although several confounding factors are known to affect probability curves, the main factors that affect OFC outcomes are currently unclear. We hypothesized that an increased total IgE level would reduce allergic reactivity. Medical records of 337 and 266 patients who underwent OFCs for 3.5 g boiled hen's egg white and 3.1 ml raw cow's milk, respectively, were examined retrospectively. We subdivided the patients into three groups based on total IgE levels and age by percentile (<25th, 25-75th, and >75th percentiles), and logistic regression analyses were performed on each group. Patients with higher total IgE levels were significantly less responsive. In addition, age did not significantly affect the OFC results. Therefore, total IgE levels should be taken into account when predicting OFC results based on food-specific IgE levels.

Gender Associated High Body Mass Index in Allergic Diseases.

BACKGROUND:The increasing prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy is affected by sex, age and lifestyle factors. Obesity and excess weight are reported to be potential risk factors for atopy and specifically for asthma symptoms in children and adults.OBJECTIVE:To assess the relation between body mass index (BMI) and allergic diseases in patients of both genders, as well as association of BMI with atopy in healthy subjects.METHODS:BMI (kg/m2), skin-prick test and total serum immunoglobulin E levels were assessed in 139 subjects: 109 were patients with allergic diseases (M to F ratio was 51:58) and 30 were healthy controls (M to F ratio was 6:24).RESULTS:The study population was grouped into asthma, asthmarhinitis, rhinitis, Urticaria oreczema and controls by BMI and sex. Females with the highest BMI were in asthma and urticaria/eczema group. Males with the highest BMI were in asthmarhinitis and urticariaeczema group. High BMI was associated with atopy in both genders of healthy controls. High levels of total IgE were in male allergic patients.CONCLUSION:High BMI was associated with asthma in females, urticaria/eczema in both genders and atopy in both genders of healthy controls. Higher levels of total IgE were concluded in male patients.