Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in Middle Ear Effusions

Abstract

This study was undertaken to further clarify the relation of atopic allergy to otitis media with effusion. Ninety-six specimens of middle ear effusions and corresponding sera were collected from 92 patients, and each sample was quantitatively measured by a radioactive single radial diffusion (RSRD) technique for immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration. Specimens consisted of 70 serous effusions (38 acute and 32 chronic) and 26 mucoid effusions (10 acute and 16 chronic). The mean concentration of IgE in the serous effusions was 143.1 ± 28.7 ng/ml, and in the corresponding sera 227.5 ± 40.7 ng/ml. The mean concentration of IgE in the mucoid effusions was 221.7 ± 48.9 ng/ml and in the corresponding sera 398.0 ± 81.5 ng/ml. The difference between these values was not statistically significant. In both mucoid and serous types the mean IgE concentration was lower in the effusions than in the sera from the same patients, but this difference was not statistically significant. The mean value of the IgE concentration in mucoid effusions was higher than in the serous effusions, but this difference was not significant. Three of 70 serous effusions (4.3%) and 4 of 26 mucoid effusions (15.4%) had an IgE concentration exceeding 500 ng/ml. In only 2 of the 96 cases (2.1%) did the IgE concentration in effusion exceed both the 500 ng/ml level and the IgE concentration in the corresponding serum. Results of this study suggest that IgE in middle ear effusions, rather than being a local product, may be derived from the serum, and also that the fluid is not an atopic allergic effusion.