Impact of Age and Heterophilic Interference on the Basal Serum Tryptase, a Risk Indication for Anaphylaxis, in 1,092 Dermatology Patients.

A raised baseline serum tryptase is a risk indicator for anaphylactic reactions, especially in patients with hymenoptera venom allergy. Borderline elevations (>11.4 Hg/1) occur frequently and may necessitate invasive diagnostic procedures to rule out systemic mastocytosis. We retrospectively analysed 1,092 non-masto-cytotic patients from our general dermatology clinic with respect to age- and gender-associated effects and investigated the impact of heterophilic antibody interference on the tryptase assay. The results were stra-tified by gender and five age classes. Sera with raised tryptase (n = 106) were re-tested after pre-incubation with Heterophilic Blocking Tubes (HBT®, Scantibodies Labo-ratory; Santee,CA,US A). Asignificant increase in baseline tryptase wasobserved with increasingage. Incubation with HBT® caused a decline of more than 50% in only one case. In conclusion, older patients showed significantly higher serum tryptase levels and heterophilic interference was of subordinate relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]