Changes in total serum IgE concentrations after splenectomy.

In addition to allergic diseases, there are other disorders that can be accompanied by increased levels of total serum IgE. It has been demonstrated that splenectomy can alter the serum concentrations of other immunoglobulins. The aim of this study was to examine the concentrations of total IgE in the serum of patients splenectomized as a result of abdominal trauma but with no associated disease. Our results show that the average concentrations in the serum of patients were significantly higher that in the control group. Furthermore, in a large number of patients, the concentrations were above the normal limit set for the nonatopic Spanish population. These results suggest that splenectomy can alter the regulation of IgE concentrations. Since total IgE is usually determined for diagnostic purposes, it is useful to be aware of this anomaly when dealing with splenectomized patients in order to interpret correctly the laboratory analyses.