[Cutaneous allergen test in children: frequency of conversion of prick-test reactions, IgE concentrations in serum and course of the disease in young asthmatics during or without treatment with "Dinatrium cromoglicicum" inhalation (author's transl)].

Among 62 children with asthma or/and hay fever 32 were treated symptomatically. 30 were treated with DNCG inhalations. 22 asthmatics with proved inhalation-allergy responded well or very well to DNCG inhalations, 3 others only fairly. Of 5 patients without proved allergy 4 showed a fair response, 1 none. In group I (without DNCG) 4 out of 20 negative prick-tests became definitely positive at a follow-up examination, in group II (with DNCG) 9 out of 14. The follow-up examinations tended to be done during a time when symptoms were reduced or absent. In group II there were 7 of 9 children with good effect of DNCG. IgE assays in serum were clearly lower in "non-allergics" than in sensitized patients. The IgE was raised only in children where the follow-up showed a positive reaction. One might assume that when the clinical symptoms improve, IgE or mediator substances in the tissues, particularly in mast cells, are accumulated so that cutaneous skin-reactions now become clearly positive. IgE concentration in serum did not show correlated changes. Assessment of the clinical course of the illness apart, conversion of prick testing might indicate protective action of DNCG inhalations in bronchial asthma due to inhalation allergy.