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Can serum white birch ( Betula verrucosa ) pollen antigen (Bet v 1) immunoglobulin E measurement distinguish between sensitization and allergy?
Author(s) -
Ciprandi Giorgio,
Comite Paola,
Ferrero Francesca,
Minale Paola,
Voltolini Susanna,
Bignardi Donatella,
Fontana Vincenzo,
Bruzzone Marco,
Troise Costantino,
Mussap Michele
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international forum of allergy and rhinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.503
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 2042-6984
pISSN - 2042-6976
DOI - 10.1002/alr.21612
Subject(s) - medicine , immunoglobulin e , sensitization , allergy , immunology , oral allergy syndrome , allergen , antibody
Background In clinical practice, it is fundamental to distinguish between sensitization and allergy, mainly with respect to polysensitized patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) to white birch ( Betula verrucosa ) pollen antigen (Bet v 1) assessment might be able to differentiate simple sensitization from true allergy. Methods In total, 197 subjects (100 females; mean age 44.9 years) with serum Bet v 1 IgE positivity and history of nasal symptoms were evaluated. Subjects were subdivided in 2 groups: allergic and sensitized. Results Allergic patients were 58.4% of the total; they had higher serum Bet v 1 IgE levels than sensitized subjects ( p < 0.001). A serum IgE to Bet v 1 value >8.94 kilo units of allergen per liter (kUA/L) was able to differentiate between sensitization and allergy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.76; diagnostic odds ratio, ie, degree of agreement between health status and dichotomized IgE levels [DOR] = 6.5). Gender and season when the blood was drawn influenced IgE levels. Conclusion Serum Bet v 1 IgE measurement may be able to differentiate sensitization from allergy in subjects with sensitization to Betulaceae pollen allergens. Thus, Bet v 1 IgE measurement should be considered a useful step in the management of patients with allergic rhinitis due to Betulaceae pollen allergens.