Correlation between total IgE level and asthma symptom severity in hospitalized children

Background: Status asthmaticus is a common reason for hospitalization and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission among children. While previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between elevated IgE levels and asthma severity in outpatient settings, studies analyzing IgE levels in an inpatient cohort are limited. Objective: We examined the relationship between baseline IgE levels and symptom severity, maximum respiratory support, and PICU and hospital length of stay in an inpatient pediatric cohort. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective chart review of children admitted to the Children's Hospital at Montefiore with status asthmaticus as their primary diagnosis. The primary goal was to determine the relationship between baseline IgE levels and severity of illness at time of admission. Secondary outcomes included maximum respiratory support, and PICU and hospital length of stay. Results: We identified a statistically significant difference (P =.043) in baseline IgE levels between the PICU (median, 608 U/mL) and floor groups (405 IU/mL). There was a positive correlation between IgE level and PICU length of stay (P =.004). Conclusion: Elevated baseline IgE level is correlated with higher asthma symptom severity when hospitalized and with longer PICU length of stay. Our study adds to the growing body of evidence that those with high baseline IgE levels are at risk of having severe asthma symptomology.