4233例变态反应性皮肤病儿童血清特异变应原及总IgE水平的变化

目的:探讨4233例变态反应性皮肤病儿童血清特异变应原(sIgE)及总IgE水平的变化.方法:对2016-01～ 2019-12在我院就诊的4233例变态反应性皮肤病患儿血清样本进行血清sIgE和总IgE检测.结果:4233例变态反应性皮肤病儿童中,总IgE阳性3185例(75.24％),荨麻疹、湿疹总IgE阳性率分别为80.21％、77.94％,均显著高于其他变应性皮肤病的66.79％(P＜0.05),但荨麻疹和湿疹患者组间比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).血清sIgE阳性3004例(70.97％),其中荨麻疹血清sIgE阳性率为63.97％,显著低于湿疹、特异性皮炎和其他变应性皮肤病的72.02％、78.55％(P ＜0.05),湿疹与特异性皮炎和其他变应性皮肤病患者组间比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).特异性皮炎和其他变应性皮肤病≥2种变应原反应阳性几率为84.28％高于荨麻疹、湿疹的72.08％、77.03％ (P＜0.05),荨麻疹和湿疹组间比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).吸入型变应原以粉尘螨37.40％、户尘螨39.17％阳性率较高,食入型变应原以蛋白蛋黄28.09％、牛奶19.40％、鱼虾蟹12.69％阳性率较高;3个年龄组粉尘螨、户尘螨、多价霉菌、猫狗皮屑、鱼虾蟹、牛奶、蛋白蛋黄的sIgE阳性率比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论:变态反应性皮肤病患儿存在多种变应原交叉反应,吸入型以粉尘螨、户尘螨为主,食入型以、鸡蛋、牛奶为主,且不同年龄患儿变应原阳性分布存在差异.     

HLA-DR3基因对特应性皮炎患者免疫应答的调节

目的:探讨HLA-DR3基因对特应性皮炎(AD)患者免疫应答的调节机制。方法:采用序列特异性引物聚合酶链反应(PCR-SSP)检测特应性皮炎患者的HLA-DRB等位基因型,采用放射变应原吸附实验(RAST)检测血清特异性IgE。结果:外源性特应性皮炎(EAD)组HLA-DR3基因频率高于对照组(P<0.05,RR=5.27),而HLA-DR6基因频率低于对照组(P<0.05,RR=0.10)。内源性特应性皮炎(IAD)组各等位基因与对照组比较均无统计学意义。在HLA-DR3阳性的10例EAD患者中,1例抗h1sIgE阳性,1例抗d1sIgE阳性,7例抗d2sIgE阳性,2例抗mx2sIgE阳性,2例抗fx5EsIgE阳性,HLA-DR3与抗d2sIgE有关,列联系数为0.48(P<0.05)。结论:HLA-DR3可能是AD的易感基因,而HLA-DR6可能是AD的抗性基因,同时携带有HLA-DR3的个体对粉尘螨的特异性变态反应可能是引发AD的病理机制之一。     

儿童过敏性皮肤病血清过敏原特异性IgE检测

对2002年3月～2004年7月在我院门诊确诊的324例湿疹、特应性皮炎及荨麻疹患儿进行了血清过敏原特异性IgE(slgE)检测,现将结果报道如下.     

对104例儿童慢性荨麻疹和湿疹血清过敏原检测分析

目的探讨本地区不同年龄段儿童慢性荨麻疹和湿疹的过敏原致敏情况。方法对104例患儿进行特异性过敏原血清免疫球蛋白E(Ig E)抗体检测。结果 104例过敏性疾病儿童总Ig E阳性率为74.04%,慢性荨麻疹患儿过敏原阳性率为75.38%(49/65),湿疹患儿过敏原阳性率为71.79%(28/39),其中吸入性过敏以原户尘螨阳性率最高,为32.69%,食物组过敏原鸡蛋白阳性率最高,为29.81%。结论吸入性过敏原和食物性过敏原是儿童慢性荨麻疹和湿疹的致病因素。应用体外血清免疫印迹法检测特异性过敏原Ig E抗体对治疗儿童慢性荨麻疹或湿疹有指导意义。     

特应性皮炎患儿482例血清过敏原检测结果分析

目的 探讨特应性皮炎(AD)患儿血清过敏原分布特征，为重庆地区AD的预防与治疗提供参考依据。方法 选取2018年12月至2021年12月该院皮肤科就诊的12岁以下AD患儿482例，对血清总免疫球蛋白E(IgE)和特异性IgE检测结果进行分析。结果 482例AD患儿中，血清总IgE抗体阳性394例(81.74%),特异性IgE抗体阳性337例(69.92%)。<3岁AD患儿特异性IgE抗体阳性率分别与>3～6岁及>6～12岁AD患儿比较，差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。在337例特异性IgE抗体阳性患儿中，1种过敏原42例(12.46%),2种过敏原74例(21.96%),3种过敏原85例(25.22%),4种及以上过敏原136例(40.36%)。337例特异性IgE抗体阳性患儿主要以吸入性过敏原为主。尘螨组合和屋尘阳性率均显著高于吸入性过敏原平均阳性率(P<0.05)。黄豆和鸡蛋白阳性率均显著高于食入性过敏原平均阳性率(P<0.05)。结论 大多数AD患儿有血清总IgE和特异性IgE水平均升高等症状，检测血清特异性IgE可帮助临床发现AD患儿过敏...     

特应性皮炎患者血清总IgE、过敏原特异性IgE、嗜酸性粒细胞检测的临床意义

目的探讨特应性皮炎患者血清总IgE,过敏原特异性IgE,嗜酸性粒细胞检测的临床意意义。方法选择2016年1月~2017年3月在我院门诊及住院治疗的特应性皮炎患者60例为研究对象。另选择同期在我院健康体检者30例为对照组。检测各组血清总IgE水平、血清过敏原特异性IgE水平以及外周血嗜酸性粒细胞水平。结果特应性皮炎组血清总IgE水平以及外周血嗜酸性粒细胞水平均显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);重度显著高于轻度与中度,中度显著高于轻度,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。对照组过敏原特异性IgE分级均为0级,特应性皮炎组40例为0级,12例Ⅰ、Ⅱ级,8例Ⅲ级及以上,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论特应性皮炎患者血清IgE水平、过敏原特异性IgE水平以及外周血嗜酸性粒细胞水平升高,并且随着病情的加重,水平呈上升趋势。     

玉屏风颗粒辅助治疗特发性荨麻疹疗效观察及1018例慢性荨麻疹患者过敏原检测结果分析

目的 探讨玉屏风颗粒辅助治疗慢性特发性荨麻疹疗效观察,及慢性荨麻疹患者检测血清特异性IgE(sIgE)和特异性IgG(sIgG)对临床的指导及意义.方法 分析1018例慢性荨麻疹患者食物性过敏原和吸入性过敏原sIgE及食物sIgG结果 ;其中诊断慢性特发性荨麻疹患者106例,其中53例联合使用氯雷他定及玉屏风治疗,53例患者仅使用氯雷他定治疗,疗程4周,治疗结束后对治疗疗效及结果 进行分析,同时停药4周及8周后观察复发情况.结果 1018例慢性荨麻疹患者食物sIgG和sIgE的检测结果 不一致(P<0.01).0~15岁组阳性率最高,不同性别阳性率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).治疗4周后,联合组治疗有效率为81.1%(43/53),对照组有效率为67.9%(36/53),联合组治疗优于对照组(P<0.05).停药4周后联合组复发率为9.3%(4/43),对照组复发率为22.2%(8/36);停药8周后联合组复发率为16.3%(7/43),对照组复发率为36.1%(13/36).联合组明显优于对照组(P<0.05).结论 对反复发作的慢性荨麻疹患者联合测定吸入性sIgE和食物过敏原sIgE及sIgG是寻找慢性荨麻疹患者过敏原的有效方法 ,为变态反应性疾病的预防、诊断和治疗提供依据.氯雷他定联合玉屏风颗粒对慢性特发性荨麻疹治疗有效,能降低复发率.     

慢性湿疹和荨麻疹患者血清过敏原检测分析

目的对慢性湿疹和荨麻疹患者血清过敏原检测进行讨论分析。方法就诊确诊的218例慢性湿疹、慢性荨麻疹患者进行血清过敏原特异性抗体检测,并与40名正常人对照。结果 218例患者血清过敏原反应阳性165例,阳性率较高的过敏原是屋尘、尘螨、多价霉菌、牛羊肉。40名正常人血清过敏原反应全部阴性。血清总IgE值:218例患者有160例>50IU/ml,对照组均<20IU/ml。结论通过慢性湿疹和荨麻疹患者血清过敏原检测的分析可以指导患者对自身过敏原的认识及指导临床治疗。     

460例慢性荨麻疹敏筛过敏原检测分析

目的：通过定量检测人血清中总IgE和特异性IgE,探讨过敏因素与荨麻疹发病之间的关系,从而用于辅助治疗慢性荨麻疹。方法：对460例慢性荨麻疹患者进行敏筛过敏原检测分析。结果：户尘端、粉尘螨是主要过敏原。460例慢性荨麻疹患者血清总IgE阳性率为81．6％,特异性过敏因素阳性率前五种依次为：户尘螨、粉尘螨,猫、狗毛皮屑,牛肉、羊肉;蟑螂;牛奶。结论：过敏原与慢性荨麻疹发病关系密切,我出致敏因素对临床治疗慢性荨麻疹有较好的指导意义。     

MORA生物共振治疗仪治疗255例过敏性皮炎的效果观察

目的 观察MORA生物共振治疗仪对过敏性皮炎疾病进行脱敏治疗的临床疗效.方法 对255例过敏性皮炎患者（包括荨麻疹101例,湿疹70例,接触性皮炎61例,特应性皮炎23例）采用德国MORA生物共振治疗仪进行脱敏治疗,观察疗效及不良反应.结果 脱敏治疗的总有效率为80.8％,其中荨麻疹、湿疹、接触性皮炎、特应性皮炎4组比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 MORA生物共振治疗技术,在临床上可广泛应用于过敏性皮炎的治疗,安全无不良反应,且复发率相对较低.     

常见过敏性疾病患者过敏原检测结果分析

目的 了解肇庆市城区常见过敏性疾病患者中过敏原的分布特征,为临床疾病诊治和过敏原预防提供可靠的科学依据.方法 采用德国敏筛过敏原检测系统检测18种过敏原特异性IgE(slgE)和总IgE(tIgE)含量,以61名健康体检者为对照,回顾性分析334例常见过敏性疾病患者中过敏原sIgE阳性率和tIgE及其分布差异.结果 334例患者的tIgE和sIgE阳性率分别为70.06%(234例)和68.86%(230例),两项均阳性者为54.19%(181例),显著高于对照组[分别为22.95%(14例)、21.30%(13例)、9.83%(6例),P<0.01];过敏原sIgE检出率以户尘螨最高,为54.49%,屋尘次之,为42.22%.荨麻疹、特别性湿疹、过敏性鼻炎、儿童支气管哮喘这4种过敏性疾病患者血清tIgE和sIgE阳性率均分别高于正常对照组(P<0.01),荨麻疹患者中≥2种过敏原slgE阳性者占38.75%(62/160),特异性湿疹患者中≥2种过敏原sIgE阳性者占34.78%(62/160),过敏性鼻炎患者中≥2种过敏原sIgE阳性者占72.22%(62/160),儿童支气管哮喘中≥2种过敏原slgE阳性者占64.71%(33/51).结论 吸入性过敏原是肇庆市城区导致过敏性疾病最主要的过敏原,以户尘螨,屋尘和蟑螂最为常见;tIgE检测对过敏原存在与否的预测有重要参考价值;过敏原sIgE阳性的检出对过敏性疾病的预防、诊断和治疗有十分重要的意义.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the distributional characteristics of anaphylactogens in common patients with allergic diseases and provide scientific basis for its treatment and prevention in Zhaoqing. Methods U-sing the German screen allergens quantitative detection system to determinate 18 kinds of allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) and total IgE (tIgE) levels. Of 61 healthy persons as control,retrospectively analyze of anaphylactogen sIgE and tIgE positive rate and their distribution difference in 334 patients with common allergic diseases. Results Three hundred and thirty-four cases of patients, total IgE and sIgE positive rates were 70.06% and 68. 86% , both were positive in 54. 19% , significantly higher than the control group (P <0. 01). With total IgE positive to predict the risk of positive sIgE detection for 78.70%. In the detection rate of allergen sIgE to household dust mites up 54.49% , 42. 22% followed by house dust, tIgE and sIgE positive rates were higher than the control group (P <0. 01) . In urticaria patients, two or more sIgE antibody positive rate was 38. 75% , two or more sIgE antibody was 34.78% , In allergic rhinitis patients, two or more sIgE antibody was 72. 22% , two or more sIgE antibody positive rate was 64.71%. Conclusions Aeroallergens are the most important allergen cause of allergic diseases, and the most common allergens are household dust mites, house dust and cockroaches in Zhaoqing City. TlgE has important reference value to predict the existence probability of allergens. Allergen sIgE positive detection has agreat significance for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.     

Treatment of head and neck dermatitis with ciclopiroxolamine cream--results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

In atopic dermatitis, microbial allergens may be pathogenetically significant. Apart from Staphylococcus aureus, these are primarily lipophilic Malassezia yeasts. They are particularly involved in the pathogenesis of head and neck dermatitis (HND), a special form of atopic dermatitis, which is often difficult to treat. Fifty patients (21 men, 29 women) with moderate to severe HND of at least 6 months' duration were included in a prospective double-blind study. All of them showed at least 10% involvement of the head-neck region. The severity of disease was evaluated by Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) for the head-neck region and a pruritus score. IgE antibodies to Malassezia sympodialis and/or Malassezia furfur (at least CAP class 1) were a prerequisite for study enrollment. Either 1% ciclopiroxolamine cream (Batrafen; Aventis Pharma, Bad Soden, Germany) or the corresponding base cream were thinly applied to the affected areas twice daily for 28 days. Sixteen patients in the ciclopiroxolamine group and 13 patients in the placebo group completed the study. To assess the change in severity of atopic eczema, IGA differences between the individual measuring points were determined for all patients. There were significant differences in the IGA score change between the ciclopiroxolamine group and the placebo group, from t3 to t4, and over the total period. Similar, but not significant, changes were observed with the EASI score, in terms of affected skin area and itching. The present study is the first to examine the effect of antifungal single-drug therapy with a cream containing ciclopiroxolamine on the course of HND. The study medication was found to be significantly effective. To optimize this effect, suitable patients selected in terms of fungal load, specific IgE, prick test and particularly atopy patch test for Malassezia antigens could receive combined treatment with antimycotic-containing shampoos and/or short-term systemic antimycotic therapy in severe cases.     

Anti-IgE monoclonal antibody (omalizumab) in the treatment of atopic asthma and allergic respiratory diseases

Since the discovery of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies thirty-six years ago, our understanding of the mechanisms of allergy has improved to such an extent that we can now better differentiate allergy from non-allergic hypersensitivity, and allergic/atopic from intrinsic/non-atopic bronchial asthma. IgE antibodies are crucial immune mediators of airway inflammation in allergic atopic asthma and IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions are the likely mechanisms of allergen-induced airway obstruction. In addition, IgE may cause chronic airway inflammation in asthma through effector cells activated via high-affinity (Fcepsilon RI) or low-affinity (Fcepsilon RII) IgE receptors. Therapeutic anti-IgE antibodies able to reduce free IgE levels and to block the binding of IgE to Fcepsilon RI without cross-linking IgE and triggering degranulation of IgE-sensitised cells have been developed. This non-anaphylactogenic anti-IgE monoclonal antibody (rhuMAb-E25; omalizumab) binds IgE at the same site as these antibodies bind Fcepsilon RI and Fcepsilon RII. As a consequence, omalizumab inhibits IgE effector functions by blocking IgE binding to high-affinity receptors on IgE effector cells and does not cause mast cell or basophil activation because it cannot bind to IgE on cell surfaces where the Fcepsilon R1 receptor already masks the anti-IgE epitope. Studies in patients with atopic asthma demonstrated that omalizumab decreases serum IgE levels and allergen-induced bronchoconstriction during both the early and late-phase responses to inhaled allergen. In several clinical controlled trials omalizumab resulted to be able to reduce asthma-related symptoms, to decrease corticosteroid use and to improve quality of life of asthmatic patients.The anti-IgE approach to asthma treatment has several advantages, including concomitant treatment of other IgE-mediated diseases (allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and food allergies), a favourable side-effect profile and a twice-monthly dosing frequency.     

血清中变应原特异性IgE与支气管哮喘的关系

为分析支气管哮喘的发病原因，本文对４０例支气管哮喘患者采用荧光酶联免疫法（ｐｈａｒｍａｃｉａＣＡＰｓｙｓｔｅｍ），测定了血清中变应原特异性ＩｇＥ（ｓＩｇＥ）。结果发现主要变应原ｓＩｇＥ有四种，即２９例蒿草花粉ｓＩｇＥ（平均含量为３８．９０ｋＵ／Ｌ）、２３例户尘螨ｓＩｇＥ（１１．５４ｋＵ／Ｌ）、１４例屋尘ｓＩｇＥ（１．１０ｋＵ／Ｌ）、９例草花粉ｓＩｇＥ（１３．２８ｋＵ／Ｌ）阳性，由此可见，在我国北方地区引起季节性支气管哮喘的主要变应原为蒿草花粉，常年性发病的主要因素为户尘螨。     

支气管哮喘血清可溶性细胞间黏附分子-1和内皮细胞黏附分子-1的表达

目的　探讨可溶性细胞间黏附分子 - 1(s ICAM- 1)和血管内皮细胞黏附分子 - 1(s VCAM- 1)在支气管哮喘发病中的意义。方法　对支气管哮喘患者 2 3例和健康人 2 0名 (年龄均在 15～ 45岁之间 ) ,采用酶联免疫双抗体夹心法 (EL ISA)测定血清中的 s ICAM- 1和 s VCAM- 1;利用荧光酶联免疫法 (Uni- CAP系统 )分析血清中总 Ig E(t Ig E)和特异性 Ig E(s Ig E)。结果　血清 s ICAM- 1、s VCAM- 1、t Ig E水平测定哮喘组均高于对照组 (P<0 .0 1) ;血清中以户尘螨和蒿草花粉的特异性 Ig E含量增高为主 ;经多元逐步回归分析提示血清总 Ig E含量与s ICAM- 1存在线性关系 ,其复相关平方 (R- square)为 0 .5 0 2 ,标准偏回归系数为 0 .0 97,t=2 .841,P=0 .0 2 18。结论　支气管哮喘患者的 s ICAM- 1和 s VCAM- 1含量显著高于正常人 ;血清 s ICAM- 1与血清总 Ig E存在线性依存关系。     

产妇血清和新生儿脐带血中总 IgE 与特应性皮炎的关系及过敏原检测

摘要： 目的 探讨产妇血清和新生儿脐带血中总IgE与儿童特应性皮炎（AD）的相关性及过敏原检测的临床意义。方法 选取2009-2011年建立的出生队列中诊断为AD的儿童35例（AD组）,随机选取未患AD的35例儿童作为对照（对照组）,ELISA法分别检测儿童出生前产妇血清和新生儿脐带血中的总IgE水平,定量免疫印迹法检测血清特异性IgE水平。 结果 AD组中母亲血清和新生儿脐带血总IgE阳性率高于对照组(χ2分别为16.568和14.933,均P < 0.01)。AD组中母亲血清过敏原中尘螨,屋尘,豚草花粉,嵩类花粉,杨、柳及榆树花粉,霉菌,虾,海洋鱼类特异性IgE阳性率高于对照组（均P < 0.05）;AD患儿脐带血过敏原中嵩类花粉,霉菌IgE阳性率高于对照（均P < 0.05）。结论 母亲血清总IgE升高可能会对婴儿后期罹患AD起预测作用;母亲的过敏状态与婴儿的过敏状态无明显一致性。     

RSV肺炎患儿TLR4及IFN-γ临床观察

【摘要】目的 观察呼吸道合胞病毒（RSV）肺炎患儿急性期外周血单核细胞表面Toll样受体4（TLR4）的表达以及急性期血清中IFN-γ水平的变化和病情严重程度、过敏状态的关系。方法 分组：1.实验组为RSV阳性的肺炎患儿30例;对患儿入院时的临床表现,将患儿分为轻度组和重度组,其中轻度组22例,重度组8例;根据患儿的过敏状况（如湿疹史）及家族过敏史（哮喘、过敏性鼻炎、过敏性结膜炎、特应性皮炎等）分为具有过敏因素组19例和无过敏因素组11例。2.对照组27例为年龄在2岁以内,同时期在医院外科住院,近一周内无呼吸道感染的患儿。结果 1.实验组TLR4为22.29±9.46%,对照组为12.67±9.46%,利用秩和检验检测存在显著性差异（P =0.001<0.05）。实验组中轻度组的TLR4为21.44±16.33%,重度组为24.61±17.28%,两组差异无显著性（P =0.872>0.05）;实验组中具有过敏因素组TLR4为21.99±16.14%,而无过敏因素组为22.76±17.48%,两组也无显著差异性（P =0.966>0.05）。2.实验组IFN-γ的浓度为254±504.48ng/L,对照组IFN-γ的浓度为259.89±829.91ng/L,经秩和检验发现无显著差异性（P =0.64>0.05）。实验组中轻度组IFN-γ为324.8±568.19ng/L,重度组为62.36±167.6ng/L,两组有显著的差异性（P =0.045<0.05）;而具有过敏因素组IFN-γ为350.19±586.57ng/L,无过敏因素组为90.09±267.56ng/L,两组无显著差异性（P =0.25>0.05）。结论 RSV肺炎感染早期外周血单核细胞表面TLR4表达升高;TLR4的表达与疾病的严重程度无明显的相关性;并且RSV感染早期血清中IFN-γ的浓度与正常婴幼儿无明显差异;IFN-γ的水平与疾病的严重程度呈现明显的负相关,重度患儿IFN-γ浓度显著低于轻度患儿,对重度的RSV肺炎患儿使用干扰素是合理的;RSV感染时IFN-γ的浓度与过敏因素之间未发现有显著的联系。     

氯霉素泼尼松搽剂治疗小鼠特应性皮炎的实验研究

目的:研究氯霉素泼尼松搽剂对小鼠急性特应性皮炎的治疗效果.方法:选取48只小鼠,分为空白组、模型组、对照组及实验低、中、高剂量组共6组,每组8只,除空白组外,其余5组小鼠均用二硝基氯苯丙酮溶液建立特应性皮炎模型,空白组、模型组给予生理盐水,对照组给予1％吡美莫司乳膏,实验组低、中、高剂量组分别给予相应浓度的氯霉素泼尼松...     

过敏性皮肤病患者过敏原检测方法效果评价

目的评价不同过敏原检查方法的临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析医院2019年收治且行过敏原皮肤点刺试验(SPT)及血清特异性免疫球蛋白E(s IgE)检测的304例过敏性皮炎患者的临床资料,分析过敏性皮肤病过敏原的种类及分布。结果血清sIgE和SPT均检出过敏原阳性203例(66.78%);SPT检测,食入性过敏原中检出率最高的为蟹,其次分别为虾、蚌类、牛奶、蛋清;吸入性过敏原中检出率较高的为粉尘螨和户尘螨。血清sIgE检测,吸入性过敏原中以室内尘螨组合检出率最高,其次为蟑螂和艾蒿;食入过敏原中以蟹检出最多,其次为虾、海洋鱼类组合、牛奶和蛋清;两种方法检出吸入性过敏原阳性例数均明显多于食入性过敏原(P <0.05),但各类过敏原(食入性、吸入性)及总检出率比较,差异无统计学意义(P> 0.05)。结论两种方法均检出粉尘螨、户尘螨、蟑螂、蟹、虾为过敏性皮肤病患者的主要致敏原,且2种检测方法简单快捷,结果互补,可结合用于过敏性皮肤病的检测。     

Role of anti-IgE monoclonal antibody (omalizumab) in the treatment of bronchial asthma and allergic respiratory diseases

IgE molecules play a crucial role in allergic respiratory diseases and may cause chronic airway inflammation in asthma through activation of effector cells via high-affinity (FcepsilonRI) or low-affinity (FcepsilonRII) IgE receptors. Since the discovery of IgE antibodies our understanding of the mechanisms of allergy has improved to such an extent that we can differentiate allergic/atopic from intrinsic respiratory diseases. Therapeutic anti-IgE antibodies, able to reduce free IgE levels and to block the binding of IgE to FcepsilonRI without crosslinking IgE and triggering degranulation of IgE-sensitized cells have been developed. This non-anaphylactogenic anti-IgE monoclonal antibody (omalizumab) binds IgE at the same site as these antibodies bind FcepsilonRI and FcepsilonRII. Consequently, omalizumab inhibits IgE effector functions by blocking IgE binding to high-affinity receptors on IgE effector cells and does not cause mast cell or basophil activation because it cannot bind to IgE on cell surfaces where the FcepsilonR1 receptor already masks the anti-IgE epitope. Studies in patients with atopic asthma showed that omalizumab decreases serum IgE levels and allergen-induced bronchoconstriction during both the early and late-phase responses to inhaled allergen. In several clinical controlled trials omalizumab resulted effective in reducing asthma-related symptoms, decreasing corticosteroid use and improving quality of life of asthmatic patients. Recent studies show the benefits of omalizumab as add-on therapy in patients with severe persistent asthma who are inadequately controlled by optimal pharmacological therapy. The anti-IgE approach to asthma treatment has several advantages, including concomitant treatment of other IgE-mediated diseases such as allergic rhinitis, a favorable safety profile and a convenient dosing frequency.