Manifestation of allergic rhinitis in latent-sensitized patients. A prospective study.

In a prospective study of allergic rhinitis in latent-sensitized young patients, 114 children were observed over a period of 4 years. At the beginning of the study, all patients were found to be sensitive to inhalant allergens but without any signs of clinical manifestations. Each patient's rhinologic and allergic status was checked in yearly follow-up examinations to determine the incidence of allergic rhinitis becoming clinically apparent and to define special risk characteristics. During the period of observation, 53% of the children developed manifest allergic rhinitis, while an additional 5% developed clinical symptoms of allergic bronchial asthma. Patients who showed monovalent sensitivity formed a special risk group, especially if they were sensitized to pollen. A continuously increasing serum IgE titer, increased concentrations of specific IgE, and skin tests were used as prognostic criteria to predict imminent clinical manifestations.