Total Serum IgE and Skin Tests in Children with Respiratory Allergy

Background: Total serum IgE measurement and skin prick tests are the most common tools for allergy diagnosis. This investigation was conducted to evaluate total serum IgE and skin prick test relationship in Iranian atopic children with respiratory manifestations. Materials and Methods: A history of allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis was obtained in 232 children (aged 1 to 15 years). Skin prick testing was performed using commercial preparation of the common allergens. The patients’ sera were also analyzed for determining total IgE. Results: More than 95% (n=221) of the patients had positive skin prick test (mean wheal diameter 3mm) to one allergen or more. Among the patients 46% (n=107) had elevated total serum IgE levels ( 150 IU/ml). Conclusion: The study showed close relationship of skin test positivity with reported allergic symptoms, but no correlation was found between total IgE and skin prick test. This study revealed that skin testing and total serum IgE measurement may be considered complementary to one another in diagnosing allergic respiratory disorders.