Allergy
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Although IgE-mediated food (egg) allergy is typically lost with age the underlying immune mechanisms are not understood, particularly in relation to the development of persistent IgE-mediated aeroallergen sensitivity. ⋯ IL-5 responses (rather than IL-13) responses most closely reflected clinical food allergy, with dissociation of IL-5 and IL-13 responses in older and egg-tolerant children. In this population, food and aeroallergen sensitivity was not associated with inability to produce IFN-gamma, but rather with mixed Th2 and Th1 (Th0) responses. Strong IL-10 and IFN-gamma responses where associated with the development of tolerance, suggesting persistent 'regulatory' populations of OVA-specific T cells, rather than clonal deletion of OVA responsive T-cells.
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Recent evidence suggests that asthma is not invariably related to atopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of atopy, asthma and sensitization to eight common allergens in a large group of children with allergic symptoms. ⋯ Asthma is related to atopy in pre-selected children only from the age of 7 years. House dust mite sensitization seems to be an important determinant of asthma in these "older" children.
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Practice Guideline Guideline
General considerations for skin test procedures in the diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity.