Allergen-specific immunoglobulin E and allergic rhinitis severity

BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disorder. The diagnosis is based on the concordance between allergy sensitization and history. Serum allergen specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) assessment allows characterization of the relevant sensitizing allergens. Presently, Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification subdivides AR based on symptoms severity and duration. However, the relationship between sIgE levels and symptom severity is still a matter of debate. OBJECTIVE Therefore, this study aimed at relating sIgE levels with symptom severity assessed by ARIA classification in a group of patients with AR. METHODS We enrolled 217 patients with AR (123 women; median age, 39.5 years). The sIgE levels (expressed in kUA/L) to house-dust mite were detected by the fluorescence enzyme immunoassay in peripheral blood samples. The IgE calibrators were traceable to the second international reference preparation 75/502 of human serum IgE from the World Health Organization. Symptom severity was assessed by ARIA classification. RESULTS We found a significant difference in sIgE levels in patients with mild intermittent versus mild persistent symptoms (p < 0.05), mild intermittent versus moderate-to-severe persistent symptoms (p < 0.001), moderate-to-severe intermittent versus moderate-to-severe persistent symptoms (p < 0.01), and mild persistent versus moderate-to-severe persistent symptoms (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Analysis of these findings indicated that the sIgE level to house-dust mite might be a reliable biomarker for symptom severity in patients with AR. This outcome might be clinically relevant, particularly in candidates for immunotherapy.