Assessment of Immunoglobulin E in Asthmatic Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Background: Recurrent reversible symptoms of hyperresponsiveness of bronchi and obstruction of air flow occur in bronchial asthma which is a chronic airway disease with pathologic inflammation. Objective: To assess the IgE level among asthmatic patients in children. Patients and Methods: our research was conducted on 116 children (87 asthmatic cases and 29 non-asthmatic healthy age and sex matched as control group). This were recruited from Pediatric Department and Outpatient Clinic at Zagazig University Hospital. The cases were subdivided to three groups according to the GINA guide line. They were assessed for the pulmonary functions with assessment of IgE. Results: In terms of IgE levels, statistically significant differences were found between the four groups tested with all asthmatic groups were significantly higher than control group (p < 0.001). Well controlled group had higher values of FEV1% and FVC% with statistically significant difference between asthmatic patients groups. Sensitivity; specificity, PVP and PVN of IgE level were 100.0%, 96.6%, 98.9% and 100% respectively. Conclusion: IgE level can be considered a good predictor for severity of bronchial asthma.