Relationship of immunotherapy, seasonal pollen exposure and clinical response to serum concentrations of total IgE and ragweed-specific IgE.

The relationship of immunotherapy, seasonal pollen exposure and clinical results to serum total IgE and ragweed-specific IgE was studied in a group of 63 highly ragweed-sensitive individuals. Both immunological parameters rose after small doses of immunotherapy. After larger doses, IgE antibodies fell. Immunotherapy inhibited the seasonal rise in ragweed IgE antibodies, which occurs in nonimmunized patients. This decrease in IgE antibodies and inhibition of seasonal rise was associated with a good clinical response. This immunological pattern and concomitant successful clinical result appeared related to high-dose immunotherapy.