Preliminary criteria for the definition of allergic rhinitis: a systematic evaluation of clinical parameters in a disease cohort (II)
BACKGROUND
This study is a development of the work done in 'Preliminary criteria for the definition of allergic rhinitis: a systematic evaluation of clinical parameters in a disease cohort (I)'.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to develop criteria which could be routinely used to define allergic rhinitis.


METHODS
A total of 47 allergic rhinitis and 23 normal subjects were evaluated with a detailed questionnaire and history, physical examination, serum total immunoglobulin (Ig) E, skin prick tests and serum EAST's.


RESULTS
Based on this data, we developed a preliminary scoring system by which a reliable diagnosis of allergic rhinitis can be made, which is based on the prevalence adjusted strength of association delta ( partial differential) rank values described in this report. Cumulative frequency histograms were constructed for allergic rhinitis and normal subjects in a variety of configurations.


CONCLUSIONS
A simple scoring system which can be used to diagnose allergic rhinitis on a routine basis was developed in this study.
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ML
Immunology Department, Concord Repatriation Hospital, Concord, Sydney, NSW 2139, Australia.
Warlow
R S
RS
Chrishanthan
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N
Ellis
C
C
Walls
R S
RS
D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012882:Skin Tests
D007073:Immunoglobulin E