Atopy patch test in examination of food allergy in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis

摘要

Aim: The evaluation of the importance of atopy patch tests in patients suffering from food allergy to egg's white and yolk, peanuts, soy, cow's milk and wheat. Methods: 240 patients were examined. Complete dermatological and allergological examination was performed in all patients including specific IgE, skin prick test, atopy patch test and the challenges tests. Results: The specificity of atopy patch tests is for soy 96%, for egg 95%, for wheat 95%, for peanuts 99% and for milk 99%. The sensitivity of atopy patch tests is for soy 62%, for egg 35.7%, for wheat 16.7%, for peanuts 20.8% and for milk 50%. Conclusion: The specificity of atopy patch tests may be considered good; regarding the sensitivity, the high percentage of false negative results should make us believe that these tests are not conclusive.