Immunoglobulin e-mediated allergies in lung-transplanted adults.
BACKGROUND
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy has repeatedly been reported after solid organ transplantation, apparently affecting approximately 10% of pediatric organ transplant recipients. Interestingly, type 1 allergy has not been described in transplanted adults, suggesting a particular propensity in childhood.


METHODS
The present cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of type 1 allergy in 42 adult lung transplant recipients aged 25 to 50 years. Instruments included standardized interviews, skin prick tests, and serum IgE measurements.


RESULTS
Ten of 42 patients (23.8%) displayed elevated specific IgE levels or positive skin prick test results against one or more allergens. Five individuals (11.9%) additionally reported corresponding clinical symptoms of type 1 allergy. No statistically significant association of sensitization or allergy prevalence with patient age, kind of immunosuppressive therapy, and time since transplantation was found.


CONCLUSIONS
The phenomenon of transplantation-associated allergy is not age-restricted and thus should be assessed more thoroughly in all age groups.
Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Saskia
S
Gruber
Eleonora
E
Dehlink
Thomas
T
Eiwegger
Susanne
S
Gut
Peter
P
Jaksch
Walter
W
Klepetko
Helmut
H
Rumpold
Zsolt
Z
Szépfalusi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D007118:Immunoassay; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D015994:Incidence; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014019:Tissue Donors
D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D015415:Biomarkers; D007073:Immunoglobulin E