Clinical significance of specific IgE determination on nasal secretion

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The clinical use of RAST [radioallergosorbent test] on the nasal secretions was investigated in 17 atopic patients, with asthma or rhinitis, who had shown at a 1st diagnostic screening, some difficulties in the identification of the responsible allergen(s). The results of the skin tests, of the RAST on the serum and on the nasal secretions and of the specific provocation test (bronchial or nasal) were compared. In some cases the basophil degranulation test was performed. The results of the RAST on the nasal secretions were in perfect agreement with the provocation test. The skin tests and the RAST on the serum showed many discrepancies, particularly for Dermatophagoides, epidermal derivatives of cat and dog and molds, and less frequently for Graminaceae and other pollens. RAST analysis on nasal secretions is useful in clinical diagnosis of allergy especially for Dermatophagoides, epidermal derivatives and molds. Most false positive results were observed with the RAST on serum; in 15 cases it was positive, while all the other tests, basophil degranulation test included, were negative. IgE may have a low affinity for basophil receptors.