Allergen-Specific Ige Antibody Serologic Assays In Patients With Autoimmune Pancreatitis

Objective To clarify the allergic manifestations in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP).Methods We assessed 67 AIP patients, before they received steroid therapy, for a past history of allergic disease, the peripheral eosinophil count (n=62) and the serum IgE level (n=53). Allergen-specific IgE antibody serologic assays were performed in 15 patients.Results A positive past history and/or the presence of active allergic disease were found in 24 AIP patients (36%), including 15 patients with acute allergic rhinitis and eight patients with bronchial asthma. Peripheral eosinophilia and elevation of the serum IgE level were detected in 16% (10/62) and 60% (32/53) of the patients, respectively. Allergen-specific IgE antibody serologic assays were positive in 13 patients (87%). There were no differences between the assay-positive and -negative patients regarding the clinical profiles.Conclusion In conclusion, 87% of the 15 AIP patients tested had positive allergen-specific IgE antibody serologic assays. Allergic mechanisms may be related to the occurrence of AIP.