Atopic allergy, serum IgE and RAST specific IgE antibodies in patients with cystic fibrosis.

The occurrence of allergic diseases is studied in a group of 56 Swiss children suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). 27% of CF children showed allergic manifestations, and 61% of CF children had positive family history for atopic diseases. The occurrence of allergies is increased in homozygotes as well as in heterozygotes for CF. Total serum IgE values are clearly increased in atopic CF children, but also slightly elevated in CF patients without allergic manifestations. Occurrence of specific IgE (RAST) for the house dust-mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, timothy grass pollen. Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium is summarized.