Total and specific IgE levels in patients with atopic dermatitis. The correlation between prick testing, clinical history of allergy, and in vitro quantification of IgE during clinical exacerbation and remission*

Ten young adults with chronic atopic dermatitis have been followed for up to 18 months through periods of clinical exacerbation and remission. Sequential estimation of total levels of circulating IgE and specific IgE by the radioallergosorbent technique (RAST) showed no significant correlation between IgE levels and severity of skin involvement. However, a clear correlation between clinical history, prick tests and RAST tests was obtained in several cases. Serum IgE levels in seven patients with ‘pure’ atopic dermatitis were elevated to levels similar to those found in three patients with additional respiratory symptoms.