Atopic status in patients with briule and non‐briule asthama: a case‐control study

Abstract

The greater degree of atopy seen may be an important factor in patients with brittle asthma. The varying interpretations of the classification of what constitutes the presence or absence of atopy, based on mean weal diameters of skin-prick tests, or from IgE or RAST positivity shows that there is considerable potential variation in the degree of difference between the two groups depending on what criteria are used. Although internationally agreed definitions of atopic status have been devised a more rigorous application, or review of these guidelines needs to accompany future epidemiological studies of allergic sensitization.