# Positive rates of total and specific immunoglobulin E in 7,824 adult patients with suspected allergic diseases in Liaoning Province, China: a retrospective study

## TL;DR

This study analyzed IgE levels in over 7,800 patients in China to understand allergic disease prevalence and found significant differences based on sex, age, and season.

## Contribution

The study provides the first detailed analysis of IgE positivity rates and associated factors for allergic diseases in Liaoning Province, China.

## Key findings

- Males had a significantly higher tIgE positivity rate (46.67%) compared to females (34.19%).
- The highest tIgE positivity was observed in the 18–44 age group and during the summer season.
- Male sex, younger and older age groups, and summer season were significant predictors of allergic diseases based on tIgE levels.

## Abstract

The escalating prevalence of allergic diseases poses a significant global health challenge. However, estimates of allergic disease prevalence in Liaoning Province, China, remain lacking. This study aimed to investigate total immunoglobulin E (tIgE) and specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels in 7,824 patients with suspected allergic diseases and to identify factors associated with allergic conditions.

A total of 7,824 participants (3,180 males and 4,644 females) with a mean age of 53.63 years were included. tIgE and sIgE levels were measured using standard laboratory methods. The normal reference range for tIgE was stratified by age group, and sIgE results were categorized as positive or negative based on predefined thresholds. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0.

The overall tIgE positivity rate was 39.26%, with males showing a significantly higher rate (46.67%) than females (34.19%) (χ2 = 123.118, p < 0.001). The highest tIgE positivity was observed in the 18–44 age group (44.11%) and during the summer season (43.95%). No significant differences were found in sIgE positivity rates for inhaled and food allergens between sexes or seasons.

Male sex, younger and older age groups, and the summer season were identified as significant predictors of allergic diseases based on tIgE levels. These findings underscore the importance of sex and seasonal variations in allergic disease prevalence and highlight the need for targeted prevention and management strategies.