IgE mediated hypersensitivity to pancreatic extract (PE) in parents of cystic fibrosis (CF) children

Abstract

On exposure to pancreatic extract PE, 4 parents of CF children developed immediate hypersensitivity-like symptoms, i.e., rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma and/or anaphylaxis. Ig[immunoglobulin]E to PE was demonstrated in the subjects by skin testing, leukocyte histamine release and radioallergosorbent test (RAST). No serum precipitating antibodies were found. Bronchial challenge caused an immediate asthmatic response. No delayed asthmatic response or hypersensitivity pneumonitis-like reaction occurred. The responsible antigen for PE induced asthma is unknown. Trypsin failed to inhibit PE-RAST and was therefore not responsible in these subjects. Caution should be exercised in using PE for skin testing and bronchial challenge in subjects with suspected PE hypersensitivity. Certain measures were useful in preventing the occurrence of symptoms in the 4 subjects.