title: Correlation of symptoms with total IgE and specific IgE levels in patients presenting with allergic rhinitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation of symptoms in patients with presumed allergic rhinitis on the basis of their medical history and physical examination with the levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE, and to question the necessity of these tests in diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The records of 295 patients, who had at least two complaints of nasal itching, nasal obstruction, runny discharge and sneezing, and/or presumed as allergic rhinitis on physical examination findings were retrospectively screened. The correlation between the levels of IgE, specific inhalant IgE, and food-specific serum IgE were evaluated in these patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 70 cases (23.7%) were determined to have a total value of IgE under 20 U/ml, 113 cases (38.3%) with IgE values between 20 U/ml and 100 U/ml, and 100 cases with IgE values above 100 U/ml. Results of total IgE could not be obtained in 12 (4.06%) patients. Dermatophagoides farinae was the most common allergy in this group with 74 (68.5%) cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The determination of IgE in allergic rhinitis is a supportive method. However, it cannot be recommended for routine use because of the time loss and high cost.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, KBB kliniği, Samsun, Turkey. rifatkarli@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Rifat
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Karli
authors.forename: Evrim
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Balbaloglu
authors.forename: Lokman
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Uzun
authors.forename: Fikret
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cinar
authors.forename: Mehmet Birol
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Ugur
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D013025:Glycine max / Q000276:immunology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D007073:Immunoglobulin E