SEASONAL-VARIATION OF THE CONJUNCTIVAL PROVOCATION TEST, TOTAL AND SPECIFIC IGE IN CHILDREN WITH BIRCH POLLEN ALLERGY

In 20 children with birch pollinosis, conjunctival provocation tests (CPT) with a birch pollen preparation were performed and blood was drawn on five different occasions during 1 year. From November to February there was a decrease in the activity of the atopic disease as measured by CPT (p = 0.03), total serum IGE (p = 0.02) and birch pollen-specific serum IgE (not significant). Then all parameters increased until August (p < 0.05). From August to November there was a decrease, significant for total IgE and birch-specific IgE (p < 0.01). The correlation between CPT and the in vitro tests was poor. The conclusion is that the seasonal variations of CPT, total and specific IgE are similar but without close correlation between CPT and the antibody levels. The priming during the season is retained at least for 1 year.