Intradermal skin tests with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in asthmatic children: correlation with specific IgE and bronchial provocation tests.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the results of the skin tests, the specific IgE levels and bronchial provocation tests in a group of sensitive asthmatic children with a Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract standardized by the RAST inhibition method. Skin tests showed a positive 'end point' in twelve children of 0.5 U/ml antigen; in eleven 5 U/ml; seven of 50 U/ml; six of 500 U/ml. Specific IgE was present in thirty-three children (92%). A close relationship between positive skin tests and serum IgE levels was found. Bronchial provocation tests were positive in twenty-eight children (78%): eight children with both positive RAST and positive skin tests had negative bronchial provocation tests.