Immunoglobulin E (IgE), an aid in the classification of occupational dermatoses?

During an 18-month period determinations of immunoglobulin E(IgE) in serum were made on all (631) new patients referred to the Department of Occupational Dermatology, Karolinska Sjukhuset, Stockholm. The mean for the entire series was 238 units/ml (U): 280 U for the 323 men and 196 U for the 308 women. The IgE values for the different age groups, clinical diagnoses and sexes are presented. About 20% of the patients with normal IgE (less than 250 U) had a history of atopy. On the other hand about 30% of the patients with pathological IgE value (greater than 1000 U) had no such history. No explanation of this rise of IgE without concurrent atopy was discovered despite detailed laboratory tests. Our impression is that the IgE value has a prognostic significance and that, especially for the question of choice or change of occupation in cases of dermatitis, the determination of IgE is of value.