Total Immunoglobulin E Levels Research Articles

Association of serum total IgE and allergen-specific IgE with insulin resistance in adolescents: an analysis of the NHANES database

BackgroundRecent studies have found that total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and allergen-specific IgE were associated with some metabolic diseases. However, the role of IgE in metabolism among adolescents is still unclear. Herein, this study aims to investigate the associations of serum total IgE and allergen-specific IgE with insulin resistance (IR) in adolescents, in order to provide some reference for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases in a young age.MethodsData of 870 adolescents were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in 2005–2006 in this cross-sectional study. Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to screen covariates and explore the relationships of serum total IgE and allergen-specific IgE with IR. The evaluation indexes were odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In addition, these relationships were also assessed in subgroups of allergy history, asthma history, and number of allergens.ResultsAmong eligible adolescents, 168 had IR. No significant association between serum total IgE level and IR was found. However, adolescents with higher level of allergen-specific IgE to rye grass [OR = 0.47, 95%CI: (0.25–0.91)], white oak [OR = 0.57, 95%CI: (0.37–0.88)], or peanut [OR = 0.38, 95%CI: (0.15–0.97)] seemed to have lower odds of IR, whereas those had higher level of shrimp-specific IgE [OR = 2.65, 95%CI: (1.21–5.84)] have increased odds of IR. In addition, these associations between allergen-specific IgE and IR were also discovered in adolescents who had allergy history or asthma history, or had different numbers of allergens.ConclusionPaying attention to different allergens in adolescents may be important in the early identification of IR among this high-risk population. The study results relatively provided some reference for further exploration on IR prevention.

Allergen skin test responses in broad U.S. asthma population in those with and without rhinitis.

Background: Asthma and allergic rhinitis are pathologically interlinked conditions. Despite skin testing (ST) being pivotal for evaluating allergic sensitization, U.S. data that date back to 1960s on ST reactivity patterns in subjects with asthma remain sparse. Objective: The purpose of this study was to elucidate seasonal, perennial ST responses, and their relationship with asthma severity, early versus late onset disease, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Methods: Five hundred patients with asthma were randomly selected from the National Jewish Health electronic medical record over a 3-year span. Demographic, clinical, and allergen ST reactivity data for a battery of seasonal and perennial allergens were procured, including total IgE levels, asthma onset, and severity, by using t-tests, χ² tests, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), patterns of reactivity were assessed for overall, seasonal, and perennial allergens in relation to IgE levels, asthma onset, and severity. Results: Of the 500 patients, 398 were analyzed. 63.3% were women, 50.1% had adult-onset asthma, and 86.1% had rhinitis; 75.3% tested positive to one or more allergens, with men demonstrating higher overall (p = 0.039) and perennial (p = 0.035) sensitization. ST reactivity varied based on the presence of rhinitis for seasonal (p = 0.028) but not perennial (p = 0.733) allergens. Asthma severity was not significantly associated with ST reactivity (p > 0.10). ST positivity for perennial (p < 0.001) but not seasonal (p = 0.128) allergens was higher in childhood-onset asthma versus adult-onset asthma despite both groups having a large percentage of reactors. Elevated IgE levels correlated with ST reactivity (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our study represents a unique comprehensive evaluation of ST reactivity in a U.S. asthma population, which is lacking in the literature, when factoring in asthma onset, severity, and IgE levels. Our findings underscore the importance of allergen sensitization in asthma, regardless of severity, concurrent rhinitis symptoms, or asthma onset, which challenge some of the prevailing assumptions about the relationship between allergen sensitization and asthma onset.

Insufficiency of Laboratory Data in Reflecting Allergic Rhinitis Severity Based on the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma Guideline in Korean Patients

Background and Objectives: This retrospective study, conducted at a single tertiary medical center, aimed to investigate the correlation between the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) based on subjective symptoms and the severity assessed through laboratory data.Methods: In total, 584 patients who were diagnosed with AR by a multiple-allergen simultaneous test were included. Patients were classified into four groups according to the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification guideline. The visual analog scale (VAS) score for overall discomfort and laboratory parameters, including the serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level and peripheral blood eosinophil count, were evaluated in all patients. An analysis was conducted to examine the differences in VAS scores and laboratory findings among the four groups. Additionally, the correlations between the laboratory findings and VAS score were analyzed.Results: The serum total IgE level and the percentage and count of peripheral blood eosinophils showed no significant differences among the groups. However, the VAS score for overall discomfort exhibited notable between-group differences. The average VAS score was 6.14 (95% confidence interval 5.94–6.34) in the overall group. The mean scores of each group showed a noticeable increasing trend from the mild intermittent group to the mild persistent, moderate to severe intermittent, and moderate to severe persistent groups (p&lt;0.001), although there was no clear correlation between the increase in VAS scores and laboratory parameters.Conclusion: Neither the symptom-based ARIA guideline nor the VAS score correlated with the AR laboratory test measurements. The current laboratory data alone may not be sufficient to reflect the severity of AR based on subjective symptoms.

Polymorphic markers of several immune regulatory genes modulate the susceptibility for eczema and related phenotypes in children.

Eczema is associated with multiple genes regulating epidermal barrier functions and immunological pathways. However, their epistatic interactions are not well studied. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between childhood eczema phenotypes and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of immune regulatory genes. One thousand three hundred and twenty-nine Chinese eczematous children and 1,179 non-allergic controls were recruited. Nine SNPs of immune regulatory genes signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), interleukin-10 (IL10), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFB1), and IL-6 receptor (IL6R) were genotyped by TaqMan genotyping assays. Logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between SNPs and eczema phenotypes. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to examine epistatic interactions among these SNPs as well as those reported by our group [filaggrin (FLG) and 11q13] for eczema phenotypes. TGFB1_rs1800469 was found to be associated with eczema [odds ratio (OR), 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73-0.92; P=0.001], atopic eczema (OR, 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72-0.95; P=0.009) and allergic rhinitis (OR, 0.84; 95% CI: 0.74-0.95; P=0.005). We also found a trend between IL10_rs1800872 and increased total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels (P=0.009). Epistatic interaction among IL10_rs3021094, TGFB1_rs1800469, IL6R_rs2228145, and STAT3_rs4796793 were found for total IgE [testing accuracy (TA), 0.551; cross-validation consistency (CVC), 10; P=0.014]. Mean log-transformed total IgE (logIgE) levels in high-risk cases, low-risk cases, high-risk controls, and low-risk controls were 2.75, 2.60, 1.90, and 1.81 respectively (P=0.019 for trend). Functional TGFB1 polymorphism is associated with both eczema and allergic rhinitis, suggesting the role of TGF-β1 in allergy susceptibility. IL10 may be associated with increased total IgE levels. Interaction among immune regulatory genes modulates total IgE levels.

Total IgE as a biomarker of omalizumab response in chronic spontaneous urticaria: A meta-analysis.

Background: Omalizumab is approved for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) that is refractory to antihistamines. Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels have emerged as a possible biomarker to predict response to omalizumab. However, the existing literature is heterogenous, with conflicting conclusions with regard to the role of total IgE levels. Objective: We sought to clarify the role of evaluating total IgE levels in patients with CSU by performing a meta-analysis on the existing literature to determine if meaningful changes exist between responders and nonresponders to omalizumab. Methods: A total of 68 unique citations were returned and screened by two independent reviewers. Editorials, reviews, and case reports were excluded, and a total of 33 original articles were identified and underwent secondary evaluation. Studies that present mean ± standard deviation total IgE levels and/or 95% confidence intervals (CI) were included, whereas studies with < 25 subjects were excluded. Three studies ultimately met these criteria. Results: We found a mean difference in total IgE levels between those who responded to omalizumab versus those without a response of 49.76 (95% CI, 7.13-92.38; p = 0.02), which demonstrated higher mean IgE values in responders compared with nonresponders. Conclusion: This study presents additional evidence that supports evaluation of total IgE levels as it pertains to response to omalizumab therapy in CSU. When considering the current evidence, it seems reasonable to consider the baseline total IgE level as a biomarker to predict the treatment response to omalizumab. Based on the existing literature, we cannot conclude at what threshold nonresponse is more likely to occur.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Immunoglobulin E Levels, Allergen-Specific Sensitivities, and Clinical Manifestations in Allergic Dermatological Conditions: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in China.

To assess the correlations between Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, pruritus, and lesion severity in patients with eczema, atopic dermatitis, or urticaria. A retrospective study was conducted and data of 814 patients who visited the dermatology or allergy clinics of multiple hospitals, from December 2019 to December 2021, were collected. Patients were divided into children group (<18 years, 325 cases), adult group (18-60 years, 435 cases), and older population group (>60 years, 54 cases) based on the age. Baseline information, pruritus severity, severity of skin lesions, total IgE level, and specific IgE level were recorded to analyze the complex relationship between them. The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis in the children group was significantly higher than that in the adult and older population group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The positive rate of specific IgE in children group was significantly higher than that in the adult and older population group (P < 0.01). The IgE levels in children with moderate pruritus were significantly lower than those of severe pruritus (63.39vs 114.42 IU/mL, P < 0.05). The IgE levels in children with mild and moderate skin lesions were significantly lower than those in children with severe skin lesions (58.95 vs 72.88 vs 169.15 IU/mL, P < 0.001 or P < 0.01, respectively). Relationships among age, severity of skin pruritus and lesions, and allergen-specific IgE response are complex and subtle, displaying dynamic patterns.

The response of CD27+CD38+ plasmablasts, CD24hiCD38hi transitional B cells, CXCR5−ICOS+PD-1+ Tph, Tph2 and Tfh2 subtypes to allergens in children with allergic asthma

BackgroundAllergic asthma is a type I allergic reaction mediated by serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE). B cell-mediated humoral immune response to allergens in the pathophysiology of allergic asthma have not been thoroughly elucidated. Peripheral helper T cells (Tph) and follicular helper T cells (Tfh) promote B cell differentiation and antibody production in inflamed tissues.ObjectiveTo investigate the roles of B cell subsets, Tph cell subsets and Tfh cell subsets in allergic immune responses.MethodsCirculating B cell subsets, Tph cell subsets and Tfh cell subsets in 33 children with allergic asthma and 17 healthy children were analyzed using multicolor flow cytometry. The level of serum total IgE was also assessed.ResultsOur study found that CD27+CD38+ plasmablasts and CD24hiCD38hi transitional B cells increased and were correlated with serum total IgE level, CD27− naive B cells and CD24hiCD27+ B cells decreased in children with allergic asthma. CXCR5− Tph, CXCR5−ICOS+ Tph, CXCR5−ICOS+PD-1+ Tph, CXCR5+ICOS+ Tfh and CXCR5+ICOS+PD-1+ Tfh increased in children with allergic asthma. Further analysis showed increased Tph2, Tph17, Tfh2 and Tfh17 subtypes while decreased Tph1 and Tfh1 subtypes in children with allergic asthma. Most interestingly, Tph2 or Tfh2 subtypes had a positive correlation with serum total IgE level.ConclusionOverall, these results provide insight into the allergens elicited B, Tph or Tfh cell response and identify heretofore unappreciated CD24hiCD38hi transitional B cells, CD24hiCD27+ B cells, CXCR5− Tph, CXCR5−ICOS+PD-1+ Tph, Tph2 subtypes and Tfh2 subtypes response to allergens.

MULTIPLE GIANT CHALAZIA IN HYPERIMMUNOGLOBULINEMIA E SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Introduction : Hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome (HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder that manifests as elevated level of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) higher than 1.000 IU/mL and multisystem disorder characterized by recurrent skin and pulmonary abscesses caused by autosomal dominant or recessive disorder with gene mutation. We present a case of multiple giant chalazion ina patient with HIES.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 15-year-old boy was referred to Ophthalmology Department with multiple giant lumps on the left eyelid for the last 2 weeks. He had a history of recurrent multiple lumps on the left lower eyelid in the last 1 year. He was diagnosed with HIES since 8 years ago. He had normal visual acuity of both eyes. Multiple giant chalazion were observed on the left upper and lower eyelid. The patient also presented with scalp and neck infection. Laboratory studies showed elevated total serum IgE level of 53,032 IU/mL and eosinophilia.&#x0D; Discussion : Ocular manifestations in HIES patients are not common. Some cases reported chalazia, keratoconus, and blepharitis. Surgical incision drainage was performed in our patient. Medications and surgical intervention had produced only transient improvement. The patient was treated conservatively. Riskof chalazia recurrence remains unknown as reported cases presented with diverse clinical presentation and follow-up serum IgE evaluation is not routinely performed.&#x0D; Conclusion : Recurrent multiple giant chalazia may occur as an ophthalmic feature of HIES. HIES should be considered and investigated in patients presenting with recurrent giant chalazia.

MULTIPLE GIANT CHALAZIA IN HYPERIMMUNOGLOBULINEMIA E SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT

Abstract&#x0D; Introduction : Hyperimmunoglobulinemia E syndrome (HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder that manifests as elevated level of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) higher than 1.000 IU/mL and multisystem disorder characterized by recurrent skin and pulmonary abscesses caused by autosomal dominant or recessive disorder with gene mutation. We present a case of multiple giant chalazion ina patient with HIES.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 15-year-old boy was referred to Ophthalmology Department with multiple giant lumps on the left eyelid for the last 2 weeks. He had a history of recurrent multiple lumps on the left lower eyelid in the last 1 year. He was diagnosed with HIES since 8 years ago. He had normal visual acuity of both eyes. Multiple giant chalazion were observed on the left upper and lower eyelid. The patient also presented with scalp and neck infection. Laboratory studies showed elevated total serum IgE level of 53,032 IU/mL and eosinophilia.&#x0D; Discussion : Ocular manifestations in HIES patients are not common. Some cases reported chalazia, keratoconus, and blepharitis. Surgical incision drainage was performed in our patient. Medications and surgical intervention had produced only transient improvement. The patient was treated conservatively. Riskof chalazia recurrence remains unknown as reported cases presented with diverse clinical presentation and follow-up serum IgE evaluation is not routinely performed.&#x0D; Conclusion : Recurrent multiple giant chalazia may occur as an ophthalmic feature of HIES. HIES should be considered and investigated in patients presenting with recurrent giant chalazia.

Atopy in chronic urticaria: an important yet overlooked issue.

Chronic urticaria (CU) is one of the most common dermatological diseases and has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. However, the pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. Autoimmunity in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) has received considerable attention and has been studied previously. Atopy is an important characteristic of CU; however, it has not been fully recognized. Atopy predisposes individuals to immune responses to allergens, leading to type 2 inflammation and immunoglobulin E (IgE) overproduction. Compared with healthy individuals, patients with CU have a higher proportion of atopy, and an atopic background is correlated with the clinical characteristics of CU. The total IgE levels in patients with CU is significantly higher than those in healthy individuals. Although its level is not higher than that in classic allergic diseases, it is closely related to CU. Exogenous allergens, auto-allergens, and specific IgEs, which are closely related to atopy, have been reported, and their roles in CU pathogenesis are also being studied. Local and systemic atopic inflammation is present in patients with CU. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding atopy and CU, speculating that there are CU subtypes, such as atopic CSU or atopic chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) and that atopy may be involved in the pathogenesis of CU. These findings provide a new perspective for a comprehensive understanding of the clinical features of CU and further research regarding its pathogenesis.

The Associations between Exposure to Multiple Heavy Metals and Total Immunoglobulin E in U.S. Adults.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of immunoglobulin, and elevated serum total IgE is often present in allergic diseases. Exposure to environmental heavy metals has been markedly linked to allergic diseases, leading to elevated total IgE levels. However, studies concerning the effects of multiple metal exposures on total IgE levels are limited. Therefore, the current study seeks to explore the correlation between heavy-metal co-exposure and total IgE levels based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005-2006). Participants possessed complete data on total IgE levels, 11 urinary metal concentrations and other covariates. The correlations between 11 metals and total IgE levels were analyzed using multiple linear regression, and total IgE levels were a continuous variable. Total IgE levels exceeding 150 kU/L were considered sensitized. Binary logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the correlation between metal exposure and the occurrence of an allergic state. Then, the association between co-exposure to the 11 metals and total IgE levels or the occurrence of sensitization status was further analyzed by Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), a multi-contaminant model. There were 1429 adults with complete data included. Based on the median concentration, molybdenum (Mo) had the highest concentration (46.60 μg/L), followed by cesium (Cs), barium (Ba), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). And the median (interquartile range) for total IgE levels was 43.7 (17.3, 126.0) kU/L. Multiple linear regression results showed that Pb was significantly and positively associated with total IgE levels (β = 0.165; 95% CI: 0.046, 0.284). Binary logistic regression showed a significant positive correlation between urinary Pb (OR: 1.258; 95% CI: 1.052, 1.510) and tungsten (W) (OR: 1.251; 95% CI: 1.082, 1.447). Importantly, the BKMR model found a positive correlation between combined-metal exposure and total IgE levels and the occurrence of sensitization status. The mixed heavy-metal exposure was associated with increased total IgE levels, and this association may be driven primarily by the exposure of Pb and W. This study provides new insights into the relationship between heavy-metal exposure and allergic diseases. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

Expression of mast cell tryptase and immunoglobulin E is increased in cutaneous photodamage: implications for carcinogenesis

Purpose: Mast cells, their serine proteinase tryptase, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) can be involved in cutaneous carcinogenesis. Materials and methods: To study the association of tryptase+ and IgE+ cells with photodamage and skin cancers 385 adult patients (201 males, 184 females, 75 with immunosuppression) at risk of any type of skin cancer were examined. Skin biopsies were taken from the sun-protected medial arm and from the photodamaged dorsal forearm skin followed by immunohistochemical staining for tryptase and IgE. Results: The results show that tryptase+ and IgE+ cells are significantly higher in number in the photodamaged than sun-protected skin, both in immunocompetent and -compromised subjects, and there is a strong correlation between tryptase+ and IgE+ cells. The numbers of forearm tryptase+ and especially IgE+ cells associated significantly with the forearm photodamage severity. In the logistic regression analysis, the forearm to upper arm ratio of IgE+ cells produced a univariate odds ratio of 1.521 (p = .010) and a multivariate one of 3.875 (p = .047) for the history of squamous cell carcinoma. The serum level of total IgE correlated significantly to the IgE to tryptase ratio in both skin sites. Conclusions: Therefore, IgE+ mast cells participate in photodamage and carcinogenesis, though it is unclear whether they are tumor-protective or -causative.

Novel Serum Biomarkers for Patients with Allergic Asthma Phenotype.

In distinguishing the allergic asthma (AA) phenotype, it has been identified that specific biomarkers could assist; however, none of them are considered ideal. This study aimed to analyze three groups of biologically active substances in the serum. Twenty steroid-free AA patients, sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and sixteen healthy subjects (HSs) were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected from all patients. Additionally, all AA patients underwent a bronchial allergen challenge (BAC) with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, all of which were positive, and blood samples were collected again 24 h later. The concentrations of ten biologically active substances were measured in the serum samples, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Luminex® 100/200™ System technology for bead-based multiplex and singleplex immunoassays. Descriptive and analytical statistical methods were used. A p-value of 0.05 or lower was considered statistically significant. The soluble interleukin 5 receptor subunit alpha (sIL-5Rα) and thioredoxin 1 (TRX1) concentrations were significantly increased, whereas those of tyrosine-protein kinase Met (MET), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), and I C-telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were decreased in the AA group compared with the HS group. A significant positive correlation was noted for sIL-5Rα with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood eosinophil (EOS) count, and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and a negative correlation was noted with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Moreover, PTX3 showed negative correlations with blood EOS count and total IgE levels, whereas ICTP exhibited a negative correlation with the blood EOS count. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the serum concentrations of MET, PTX3, TRX1, ICTP, and particularly sIL-5Rα could potentially serve as biomarkers of the AA phenotype.

The genome-wide association study of serum IgE levels demonstrated a shared genetic background in allergic diseases

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) synthessis is highly related to a variety of atopic diseases, and several genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have demonstrated the association between genes and IgE level. In this study, we conducted the largest genome-wide association study of IgE involving a Taiwanese Han population. Eight independent variants exhibited genome-wide significance. Among them, an intronic SNP of CD28, rs1181388, and an intergenic SNP, rs1002957030, on 11q23.2 were identified as novel signals for IgE. Seven of the loci were replicated successfully in a meta-analysis using data on Japanese population. Among all the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) regions, HLA-DQA1*03:02 - HLA-DQB1*03:03 was the most significant haplotype (OR = 1.25, SE = 0.02, FDR = 1.6 × 10−14), corresponding to HLA-DQA1 Asp160 and HLA-DQB1 Leu87 amino acid residues. The genetic correlation showed significance between IgE and allergic diseases including asthma, atopic dermatitis, and pollinosis. IgE PRS was significantly correlated with total IgE levels. Furthermore, the top decile IgE polygenic risk score (PRS) group had the highest risk of asthma for the Taiwan Biobank and Biobank Japan cohorts. IgE PRS may be used to aid in predicting the occurrence of allergic reactions before symptoms occur and biomarkers are detectable. Our study provided a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of genomic variants, including complex HLA alleles, on serum IgE levels.

The age and residence impact on IgE serum level in patients with allergic asthma

Abstract Background: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) has a role in mediating allergic reactions and their powerful effector functions, but numerous factors influence its value. Objective: To find any difference in total and specific IgE serum levels at the different age groups and residences. Materials and Methods: Eighty-seven asthmatic children, including 57 males and 30 females with asthma aged between 1 and 16 years old, 32.2% living in rural and 67.8% living in urban, were collected at Kerbala Teaching Hospital for Children. All asthmatic children in this study were subjected to measuring total IgE level using AccuBind IgE ELISA kit, Human Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG using Cpn IgG ELISA kit, and Human C. pneumoniae IgE using Cpn IgE ELISA kit. Results: There was a significant positive linear correlation between age and total IgE level and a significant negative correlation between age and C. pneumoniae IgE in asthmatic children (0.255, P = 0.017, -0.233, P = 0.03, respectively). Further, there was a significant positive linear correlation between total IgE and C. pneumoniae IgE under age controlling (0.225, P = 0.019). In urban residents, the asthmatic children more than eleven years old had a low C. pneumonia IgE serum level (5.845 ± 1.821 ng/L) compared with asthmatic children who lived in rural areas (8.206 ± 2.793 ng/L). Depending on age groups, there was a significant difference (P = 0.047) in C. pneumonia IgE serum levels in asthmatic children who lived in urban areas. Conclusion: C. pneumonia-specific IgE decreased in early adulthood urban asthmatic children.

Sublingual versus subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy in bronchial asthma: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Asthma affects 300 million individuals worldwide. It is a serious global health problem affecting all age groups. The significance of eosinophilic inflammation in asthma is well established. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) acts by increasing tolerance to specific antigens to which individuals demonstrate clinical sensitivity. Objectives Evaluate the efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) versus subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) as regards clinical response, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and sputum eosinophil as well as adverse effects. Methods This randomized clinical trial included 100 patients with bronchial asthma who were randomly allocated into two groups: the SLIT group (n = 50) and the SCIT group (n = 50). Patients were given a full allergy history, symptoms, and medication scores; a skin prick test; total IgE for allergens, and a sputum eosinophil count. After the end of treatment, the efficacy, as well as side effects of both treatment arms, were evaluated at 6, 12, and 18 months. Results Both SLIT and SCIT were equally effective. Success rates have been demonstrated to be as high as 86–88%. There was a statistically significant decrease in symptom and medication scores, Total IgE levels, and sputum eosinophil results after treatment (P &lt; 0.001). However, no difference was found between groups regarding the efficacy of treatment. SLIT was significantly safer than SCIT (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion Both treatment modalities were equally effective in treating asthma, but SLIT had a higher safety profile than SCIT.

Clinical Spectrum of Aspergillosis in Children with Severe Asthma: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: Aspergillus species can affect the respiratory system of genetically predisposed asthma patients. Allergic Broncho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) is one of the manifestations of aspergillosis. Most research on ABPA has been conducted in the adult population, with very few studies including paediatric patients. Aim: To examine the clinical spectrum of aspergillosis in severely asthmatic children aged between 2 and 18 years admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted from September 2021 to August 2022. Out of 76 children aged between 2 and 18 years who presented with asthma over one year, 24 children fulfilling the inclusion criteria (severe asthma requiring PICU admission) were included in the study by convenient sampling. Children were diagnosed with ABPA and Severe Asthma with Fungal Sensitisation (SAFS) based on the ISHAM (International Society for Human and Animal Mycology) work group criteria (history of asthma, raised Aspergillus-specific and total Immunoglobulin E (IgE), presence of Aspergillus-specific IgG, eosinophilia, and positive radiological findings). Descriptive statistics elaborated in the form of mean and standard deviation. Results: A total of 24 patients with acute severe asthma were admitted to the PICU over one year. Nearly 60% (15/24) of the patients fulfilled the criteria for subgroup A (comprising poorly controlled asthma, eosinophilia, or positive radiological findings). Among them, six (25%) patients had total serum IgE levels &gt; 1000 IU/mL, three (12.5%) had levels between 500- 1000 IU/mL, and six (25%) had levels &lt;500 IU/mL. Among these patients, 60% (9/15) had elevated Aspergillus-specific IgE and IgG levels. As per the ISHAM work group criteria, 6/24 (25%) patients were diagnosed with S-ABPA (Serological ABPA) and 3/24 (12.5%) patients were diagnosed with SAFS. Conclusion: Aspergillus sensitivity is increasingly being detected in asthmatic children, requiring further work-up, especially in patients with poorly controlled asthma.

Оцінка сироваткового загального та специфічного імуноглобуліну Е в дітей з персистуючим алергічним ринітом і поєднаним із бронхіальною астмою при сенсибілізації до алергенів кліщів

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common immunoglobulin E (IgE) dependent disease among allergic patients worldwide. At the same time, the determination of specific IgE in the blood serum allows characterizing the relevant sensitizing allergens. Despite the existence of conditional thresholds for normal and elevated levels of total and specific IgE, there is no consensus in the literature on which IgE value unequivocally confirms the presence of atopy and what is the relationship between these levels and the severity of clinical manifestations. Purpose - to evaluate the levels of serum total and specific IgE and their relationship with severity and age in children with persistent AR and combined with bronchial asthma (BA) during sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) allergens. Materials and methods. A clinical, anamnestic and laboratory examination of 259 children aged 5 to 17 years with AR and combined AR with BA, who were sensitized to HDM allergens, was conducted. Results. In AR in children with sensitization to HDM, there is a dependence of serum total IgE level on the severity of AR and age of children. With increasing severity of AR manifestations, a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in total IgE levels was noted. It was found that the content of sIgE also increased with increasing severity of AR. Thus, statistically significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher levels of sIgE were determined in sensitization to the major HDM molecules Der f 1, Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 23 in children with severe AR. Sensitization to the tropomyosin Der p10 molecule, which usually has no effect on the clinical manifestations of respiratory allergy but indicates cross-reactivity to seafood, was significantly more common (p&lt;0.05) in children aged 3-7 years compared to children aged 13-17 years. Conclusions. The data obtained partially define the pathogenetic features in the formation of sensitization to HDM and their individual molecules, confirming that this process begins at an early age, which may indicate the need to start allergen-specific immunotherapy in such children if clinically necessary. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Associations between Total Immunoglobulin E Levels and Urinary Albumin Excretion: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The association between total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and urinary albumin excretion has not been fully established. Current study aimed to evaluate the association between total IgE levels and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) among adult Americans. Methods: Current cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2005 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including individuals aged 20 years and above. To assess the relationships between total IgE levels and UACR, both multivariable linear regression models and smooth curve fitting were employed. Results: The study included a total of 3,400 participants (weighted mean age: 46.6 ± 0.8 years), with 1,625 females (weighted percentage: 47.8%). After adjusting for potential confounders, we observed a positive association between higher total IgE levels on a log2 scale and increased UACR (β = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.40–5.28, p = 0.002). Furthermore, the association displayed a non-linear dose-response pattern. The interaction test revealed a significant distinction in the correlation between total IgE and UACR when stratified by hyperlipidemia (p for interaction Conclusion: Our study revealed a significant and independent association between elevated total IgE levels and an increased UACR, which also exhibited a distinct non-linear pattern, highlighting the intricate nature of the connection between IgE levels and UACR.

Risk Factors of Onset Time and Persistence of Atopic Dermatitis in Children Under Age 5 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is high among children, with development of AD occurring during early childhood in most affected children and some having a chronic disease course. Risk factors for AD in this group remain undefined. Objectives: We analyzed the medical records of children with AD under 5 years of age. We summarized characteristics of the natural course of AD in these children and explored relevant risk factors of AD in infancy and early childhood. Methods: Using a self-developed questionnaire, we investigated 716 children under 5 years of age who were treated for AD at the Dermatology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China. We conducted the study from October 2021 to September 2022 using telephone and on-site interviews with the children's parents. In parental interviews, data were gathered on neonatal diseases, comorbidities, parental allergy history, maternal history of tobacco and alcohol use, and basic infant information at birth. Some children were tested for serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) before this study. Results: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), neonatal infection, and infection during childhood had a significant impact on persistent symptoms and the onset of first symptoms in children with AD (P < 0.05). Allergic diseases as common comorbidities with AD, which had earlier onset of AD related to more obvious disease activity (P < 0.05). Parental history of allergy was also significant in AD (P < 0.05). Serum total iIgE levels in children with AD showed an impact on the clinical course of AD; neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and NRDS may affect IgE levels (P < 0.05). Persistent AD had a significant effect on the physical growth of children with height/length for age Z score ≤3 and weight for height/length Z score ≤3 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Early adverse events in infants, infection before onset, and susceptibility to infection may affect the onset and clinical course of childhood AD. Serum total IgE levels affect the progression of AD. Persistent AD in childhood may have a slight impact on children's physical growth.