The relation of atopy patch tests with immunoglobulin E. Atopy patch tests with aeroallergens results dependence with the concentration of specific class E antibodies assay level assessment

UNLABELLED: Aeroallergens play an important role in atopic dermatitis (AD). This role is confirmed by widely used skin prick tests and total and specific class E antybodies levels assays. Atopy patch tests (APT) are a new diagnostic method. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between APT results and specific class E antibodies levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 115 subjects with AD were examined. APT were done using a single allergen extract or their mix from commercially available reagents from Stallergenes (France). The determination of antigen specific IgE (sIgE) were done with fluoroimmunoenzymatic assay using Pharmacia CAP System FEIA set from Pharmacia-LKB (Sweden). RESULTS: Hyperreactivity to house dust mite mix was proved by APT in 45,2%, birch pollen in 32,2%, grass pollen mix in 22,6%, and cat dander in 15,7% of subjects. Increased level of sIgE against house dust mite allergens were proven in 42,6%, against birch pollen allergens in 30,3%, against grass pollen mix allergens in 43,1% and against cat dander allergens in 31,8% of examined subjects. The correlation between positive APT results and increased specific IgE levels was not statistically significant. The intensification of positive APT reactions was correlated positively with the specific IgE levels of allergens against house dust mite, birch pollen, and cat dander. CONCLUSION: Conducted studies are indicating that APT can be an usefull AD diagnostic tool and are complementing all existing methods.