Identification of sensitization pattern by a multiplex specific IgE assay system in pediatric allergy : a novel utility of MAST Immunosystems Ⅲ

Abstract

 Objective : To seek a novel interpretation criteria for MAST Immunosystems Ⅲ, a multiplex specific IgE assay system.

 Methods : Children who volunteered to participate in the study, n=186, 6-18 years old (mean 11.6), and children with asthma on treatment, n=164, 6-18 years old (mean 10.0) were enrolled after informed consent. They answered a questionnaire including physian diagnosis of asthma, allergic rhinitis (perennial and seasonal), atopic dermatitis and food allergy and underwent spirometry, FeNO measurement, blood test for serum total IgE, white blood cell count, eosinophil% and specific IgE by MAST Immunosystems Ⅲ (MAST-33). A multivariate mathematical technique, k-means cluster analysis, was performed on the MAST-33 lumicount data.

 Results : Identified 4 sensitization clusters were 1 : Multiple with food, 2 : Inhalant allergen with pet, 3 : inhalant allergen without pet, and 4 : Low with Japanese cedar pollen. Total IgE was highest in cluster 1 as expected, but eosinophil% and FeNO were highest in cluster 2. Prevalence of asthma was very high in cluster 2. Seasonal allergic rhititis was common in cluster 1 and 3. Atopic dermatitis and food allergy were common in cluster 1.

 Conclusion : Cluster 2 may be a phenotype for asthma. Interpretation of MAST-33 results by sensitization pattern may be useful for clinical practice.