Single sIgE for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ( Dp ) is a good
screening tool for atopic sensitization
Abstract
Background: Only a limited number of publications had evaluated
the Phadiatop application for aeroallergen screen in allergic
respiratory diseases (ARD) in the Chinese population. In our
retrospective cohort, through studying the Phadiatop versus total IgE
use in aeroallergen workups, and local aeroallergen sensitisation
profiles by reviewing aeroallergen sIgE, we aimed to derive a
cost-effective algorithm for ARD workup. Methods: We have
retrospectively identified 694 patients with ARD in 2010-2019, and
reviewed their Phadiatop test performed in our tertiary immunology
laboratory. Other associated workups including total IgE, and/or
allergen specific sIgE (sIgE), if available, were retrieved and
analysed. Besides, a further review was performed on 53 consecutive
samples collected during January 2021, for aeroallergen screening. Cost
effectiveness of the existing protocol (Phadiatop screening followed by
individual aeroallergen characterisation) was compared with a new
testing algorithm, which started with dust mite ( Dermatophagoides
pteronyssinus, Dp) allergy detection. Results: Phadiatop
positivity was 67.3%, while total IgE positivity was 66.7% in the 366
patients with the test done. Overall, the agreement of these two tests
was 73.5%. Asthmatic patients can be screened positive with total IgE
than Phadiatop (34.9%-45.6%). Dp was the most prevalent aeroallergen
(> 90%), and its sIgE level correlated best with the
Phadiatop sIgE level (R = 0.99, p < 0.001). Comparing to the
existing screening using Phadiatop, initial Dp detection is both
sensitive and cost effective for ARD in our locality.
Conclusions: Screening by Dp sIgE is as sensitive as Phadiatop
in aeroallergen screen but of lower running cost. It should be the
approach in our locality.