The study of pollen and Der p mite-specific IgE antibodies in children with allergic rhinitis.

UNLABELLED: The role of pollens and house dust mites in perennial chronic rhinitis has been investigated for the Taipei area. Fifty-four serum specimens were collected from children with chronic rhinitis. EIA kits (Phadezyme RAST) were used to detect specific IgE antibody of nine allergens, including house dust mite (Der p) and eight common pollens. The children were divided into allergic (AR) and nonallergic (NAR) groups, based on the results of skin tests, inhalant allergen-specific IgE screen (Phadiatop), physical examination, past history and family history. The results showed: (1) 41 (76%) patients were defined as allergic rhinitis; (2) Der p specific IgE was detected in 41 (100%) AR patients and 7 (54%) NAR patients (P < 0.005), a strong positive reaction (> 2+) in 83% AR and none NAR patients (P < 0.005); (3) one, or more than one, pollen-specific IgE were found in 13 (32%) AR and 4 (31%) NAR patients. No strong positive reaction was detected in either group.

THE CONCLUSION: (1) three-fourths of the children with chronic rhinitis are allergic by nature; (2) house dust mite is the major allergen of allergic rhinitis; (3) in the Taipei area, pollen does not play an important role for children with allergic rhinitis.