title: [Allergen-specific IgE antibody in the diagnosis of occupational asthma and occupational rhinitis].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of skin prick tests and serum allergen-specific IgE determination in diagnosis of occupational airway allergies.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group comprised 152 patients with suspected occupational asthma and occupational allergic rhinitis. In all subjects, skin prick tests (SPT) to occupational allergens and specific challenge test were performed, and serum allergen-specific IgE (as-IgE) was determined. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of SPT and serum as-IgE were evaluated for different types of allergens (flour, grain, natural rubber latex and cotton).
  
  
  RESULTS
  SPT sensitivity ranged from 22.2 to 68.2%, and specificity from 74.1 to 88.2%, depending on the allergen. Positive predictive values for SPT ranged from 30 to 68.2% and negative predictive values from 74 to 82.4%. As-IgE sensitivity was evaluated from 42.8 to 83.3%, and specificity from 57.1 to 81.5%. Positive predictive values for as-IgE ranged from 35.7 to 76.2% and negative predictive values from 72.4 to 92.3%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results showed that neither SPT nor serum as-IgE determination indicated sufficient sensitivity and specificity to play a key role in diagnosis of occupational asthma and rhinitis. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values varied depending on the type of allergen. During the diagnostic process of occupational asthma and rhinitis the specific inhalant challenge test should be taken into consideration to confirm the final diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Z Ośrodka Alergii Zawodowej i Srodowiskowej, Instytutu Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera, Lodzi. wdudek@imp.lodz.pl
authors.forename: Wojciech
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Dudek
authors.forename: Tomasz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wittczak
authors.forename: Jolanta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Walusiak
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Krakowiak
authors.forename: Cezary
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pałczyński
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E