Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the correlation between serum specific IgE and skin prick test for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Methods A total of 82 individuals with house dust mites related allergic rhinitis symptoms and positive SPT results were enrolled. The UniCAP100 system was employed to detect the house dust mites specific IgE which includes dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and dermatophagoides farinae. Results Of the 82 subjects with HDM-related symptoms and positive SPT results, 55 individuals showed equal to or greater than 1 class sIgE level for both Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae. Increasing sIgE level correlated with higher SPT grades in both Der p(r_s=0.58) and Der f(r_s=0.60). In 41 to 60 years age group, however, the correlation was not statistically significant. Meanwhile, the correlation coefficient exhibited increased value with aging. Conclusion The positive correlation between SPT and sIgE reaction to HDM varied according to age of the patients. For patients over 40 years of age, both of the exams should be recommended for detecting allergy to HDM.

Key words: allergic rhinitis, diagnosis, specific-immunoglobulin E, skin prick test