Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of ALEX2 multiplex examination in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis and reaction to egg

Abstract

The aim is to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of ALEX2 Allergy Explorer test in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis and reactions to egg. We compared the results of specific IgE to allergen reagents (molecular components) with reactions to egg in the open exposure test (OET) (history); the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictictive value were calculated with Fisher's Exact test. Altogether 100 atopic dermatitis patients were examined. The reaction to egg was confirmed in 19 patients (19%). We confirmed significant relation between the results of specific IgE to Gal d 1, Gal d 2, Gal d 3, Gal d 5, Gal d white and Gal d yolk and the results of the OET/history; the sensitivity is in the range 21.05–52.63%. We recommend to evaluate food allergy to egg in patients with severe atopic dermatitis even with negative specific IgE for molecular components.

Keywords

• atopic dermatitis
• molecular components
• allergy to egg
• positive predictive value
• ALEX2 multiplex examination
• sensitivity