IgE sensitization is an important risk factor for the development of asthma.
The aim of this study was to investigate the IgE antibody profile for a broad spectrum of allergen molecules in asthmatic patients.
Participants from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II (n=467) were tested with ImmunoCAP ISAC against 103 allergen molecules. The presence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness was measured with a methacholine challenge test and bronchial inflammation with fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (Feno).
A total of 38% of the controls and 72% of the asthmatic patients were sensitized against at least 1 of the allergen components (P