Serum IgD levels in children with atopic asthma. A longitudinal study.

Authors :: Salpietro DC
Masaracchio A
Turiaco A
Di Bella MR
Toscano V
Merlino MV
Source :: Minerva pediatrica [Minerva Pediatr] 2001 Feb; Vol. 53 (1), pp. 1-5.
Publication Year :: 2001
Abstract: Background: Serum IgD and IgE levels were measured in children with atopic asthma and in control Group in order to determine their relationship with clinical status.<br />Methods: Samples of venous blood (of 5 cc) were drawn from 25 asthmatic children (Group A) and 25 healthy children (Group B) at the moment of first diagnosis (T0), after 6 months (T180) and after 18 months (T540). To measure IgD, an ELISA assay based on the sandwich principle was used.<br />Results: At T0, IgD were significantly higher in Group A (182.7 5+/-88.18 IU/ml) in comparison with Group B (69.58+/-4.93 IU/ml, p<0.0001); IgD levels decreased in Group A at T540.<br />Conclusions: In conclusion, a significant increase of IgD levels observed in children at first signs of asthma and the following normalization of these same levels after 18 months, may represent a non specific response or an attempt of the organism to block asthma, favouring therefore immunologic tolerance.