Serum-specific IgE and allergen immunotherapy in allergic children

Aim: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is indicated in IgE-mediated respiratory allergy. Recently, it has been reported that serum-specific IgE (sIgE) levels >10 kU/l may predict AIT efficacy in adults with allergic rhinitis. The aim of the present preliminary study was to investigate whether this cut-off could also be associated with perception of effective AIT in children with allergic asthma and/or rhinitis due to house dust mites (HDM). Methods: A total of 31 allergic children (17 males; mean age of 12.5 years) with levels of serum sIgE to HDM >10 kU/l were evaluated. Eight allergic children (five males; mean age of 13.4 years) with levels of serum sIgE to HDM 6 VAS. Severity of nasal symptoms was assessed by nasal VAS, and asthma control was evaluated by asthma control test; both were considered before and after AIT. Results: All children (but one) with sIgE >10 kU/l perceived AIT efficacy, whereas only one child with sIgE 10 kU/l (p <0.001 for both). Conclusion: Allergen-sIgE assessment before AIT prescription might represent a useful tool to individuate potential responders.