Evaluation of the prick test and serum specific IgE results in patients with atopic bronchial asthma

İn this study; skin prick test, serum total and specific IgE levels vvere compared in patients with asthma and the diagnostic values of these tests vvere investigated. İn addition sensitivity and specifity of total and specific IgE values vvere calculated for different allergen groups. Skin prick tests vvere applied to asthmatic and control cases and serum total IgE levels vvere determined in both groups. İn asthmatic and control groups, serum specific IgE levels vvere determined for allergens vvhich vvere observed positive in prick test. The serum total IgE levels of asthma group (301.7±412.1 lU/ml) vvere significantly higher vvhen compared to the control group (77.1+55.3 lU/ml). Sex and family history of atopy vvere not factors influencing the total IgE levels in asthmatic patients (p>0.05). The sensitivity of serum total IgE was 57%. The sensitivity and specifity of serum specific IgE was 75-100% and 100% (except for mites), respectively. The correlation betvveen high serum total IgE and serum specific IgE positivity was weak (r=0.25). We concluded that high serum total IgE levels are not sensitive in diagnosis of atopy in asthmatic patients. Serum specific IgE levels should not be investigated in atopic patients as routine, because of it has high specifity vvith allergens positive in skin prick tests.