Correlation between eosinophilic distribution pattern in nasal secretions and serum immunoglobulin E in children with perennial nasal allergy

ABSTRACT

The distribution of eosinophils within the nasal cavities together with estimation of serum immunoglobulin E [IgE] were studied in 20 children with perennial allergic rhinitis [study group]. They were selected from both Pediatric and ENT Outpatient Clinics, El-Husain University Hospital. Their age ranged from 9 to 16 years and both sexes were involved. These patients were compared with age matched 10 healthy children as a control group. Nasal smears from 3 sites in each side of the nose [post-nasal space, middle and inferior turbinates], together with determination of serum IgE levels have been carried out to all cases in both groups. Results showed that, the distribution of eosinophils in the nasal cavities was significantly correlated with serum IgE levels in diseased children. The post-nasal space has been proven statistically to be the site of choice for representative sampling for more accurate eosinophilic expression