PURPOSE: We determined the total serum IgE levels among healthy individuals and atopic patients with respiratory symptoms in Porto Alegre. METHODS: Atopic patients (n: 92) and normal controls (n: 86) were stratified according to age and sex. Presence of atopy was recorded by history, clinical examination and skin prick test reactivity to common aeroallergens. Serum IgE was measured by Pharmacia Immuno-Cap System. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that total serum IgE is higher in males than in females. Total serum IgE levels were significantly higher in the atopic group (404 UI/mL) in comparison with the non-atopics controls (54.4 UI/mL). Our study provided the normal range for total serum IgE among atopics and non-atopics individuals in Porto Alegre. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of serum IgE among our population (atopics and non-atopics) is similar to the one observed in other countries.
IgE; Atopy; Allergy; Asthma; Rhinitis; Allergen
