Aim:

The aim of the study was to compare serum levels of total IgE between patients with psoriasis and healthy subjects, and to assess the difference between localized form (CPP) and extensive form of disease (PE).

Methods:

Seventy-five patients with psoriasis and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Data on age, gender, personal and family history, clinical type and duration of disease were collected and analyzed. Serum levels of IgE were measured using nephelometric method.

Results:

Serum levels of total IgE were significantly higher in patients than in controls (46.7% vs.. 10%; p< 0.05). Statistical difference of IgE concentration was also observed between CPP and PE. Comparison between patients and controls with regard to the median of the serum level of total IgE levels showed a statistically highly significant elevation in patients (425 IU/ml) compared with controls (54.5 IU/ml)(p< 0, 05). A higher total IgE concentration was observed in the group of patients with a longer period of skin changes. No relation was found between the serum level of IgE and family history of psoriasis, age or sex (p> 0.05).

Conclusions:

This study supports the evidence that elevation of total serum IgE is associated with psoriasis. The exact role of serum IgE in psoriasis should be additionally investigated in future studies.