FACTORS INFLUENCING SERUM IMMUNOGLOBULIN-E LEVELS IN GREEK CHILDREN

Serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) were determined by enzyme immunoassay in 414 Creek infants and children of both sexes, 1 month to 14 years old. The children were admitted to the ''Aghia Sophia'' Teaching Hospital for Children (Athens, Greece) for surgical corrections of minor anatomic abnormalities, but they were otherwise healthy. Statistical analysis was performed through multiple regression after logarithmic transformation of the immunoglobulin values. IgE levels increased significantly by about 80% per year up to the age of 5 years, without noticeable impact of age on these levels thereafter. History of allergic disease showed a significant positive association with serum levels of IgE in both younger (less than 5 years) and older children. History of frequent infections was positively associated with IgE levels, although the relation was statistically significant only in the older age group. IgE levels in Greek children appear to be higher than the corresponding levels of children living in northern Europe, but much lower than those of children in Southeast Asia, a fact that may reflect different exposure level during childhood to infections known to influence IgE levels.