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International Ophthalmology

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05-09-2023 | Conjunctivitis | Original Paper

Allergen-specific IgE in the tear fluid of Chinese patients with common allergic conjunctivitis in autumn and winter

Authors: Hongmei Wang, Xiaodan Jiang, Pei Zhang, Yingyu Li, Yiren Wang, Xuemin Li

Published in: International Ophthalmology | Issue 12/2023

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, we determined the positive rates of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the tear fluid of Chinese patients with common allergic conjunctivitis (AC) in autumn and winter, compared systemic and ocular allergen tests, and explored the correlation between the numbers and categories of allergens and clinical AC features.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 44 patients with AC (86 eyes). Specific IgEs for allergens common in China (house dust mite, cat/dog dander, mugwort/ragweed pollen, cottonwood/willow/elm pollen, milk, egg whites, soybeans) were measured in collected tears using kits for allergen-specific IgE antibodies. AC signs and symptoms were graded according to severity.

Results

Specific IgE in tears was positive in 87.2% of eyes. House dust mite was the most common allergen (86.0%), followed by cat (24.4%) and dog (7.0%) dander; tree and grass pollen accounted for only 4.7% and 2.3%, respectively. Food allergens were not detected. The positive rates of the systemic allergen tests were lower than in tear fluid tests in both eyes, especially for house dust mites (P = 0.000). In patients with more allergens, itching was more severe (P = 0.035), while conjunctival hyperemia was milder (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

In autumn and winter, the most common AC allergen in Chinese patients was house dust mites. Compared with systemic allergen tests, measuring specific IgE in tears may be a non-invasive method to diagnose and evaluate AC severity, which may be more suitable to reflect the local conditions of ocular surface inflammation due to its high positive rate and convenience.

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Title: Allergen-specific IgE in the tear fluid of Chinese patients with common allergic conjunctivitis in autumn and winter
Authors: Hongmei Wang
Xiaodan Jiang
Pei Zhang
Yingyu Li
Yiren Wang
Xuemin Li
Publication date: 05-09-2023
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Keywords: Conjunctivitis
Mites
Published in: International Ophthalmology / Issue 12/2023
Print ISSN: 0165-5701
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2630
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-023-02854-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Allergen-specific IgE in the tear fluid of Chinese patients with common allergic conjunctivitis in autumn and winter

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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