Modelling the conversion between specific IgE test platforms for nut
allergens in children and adolescents
Abstract
Background: Multiplex tests allow for measurement of allergen-specific
IgE responses to multiple allergen extracts and components and have
several advantages for large cohort studies. Due to significant
methodological differences, test systems are difficult to integrate in
meta-analyses/systematic reviews since there is a lack of datasets with
direct comparison. We aimed to create models for statistical integration
of allergen-specific IgE to peanut/tree nut allergens from three
IgE-test platforms. Methods: Plasma from Canadian and Austrian children
with peanut/tree nut sensitization and a cohort of sensitized,
high-risk, pre-school asthmatics (total n=166) were measured with three
R&D multiplex IgE test platforms: Allergy Explorer, ALEX (Macro Array
Dx), MeDALL-chip (Mechanisms of Development of Allergy) (Thermo Fisher),
and EUROLINE (EUROIMMUN). Skin prick test (n=51) and ImmunoCAP (n=62)
results for extracts were available in a subset. Regression models
(Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines, local polynomial regression)
were applied if >30% of samples were positive to the
allergen. Intra-test correlations between PR-10 and nsLTP allergens were
assessed. Results: Using two regression methods, we demonstrated the
ability to model allergen-specific relationships with acceptable
measures of fit (r2=94-56%) for peanut and tree nut sIgE testing at the
extract and component-level, in order from highest to lowest: Ara h 2,
Ara h 6, Jug r 1, Ana o 3, Ara h 1, Jug r 2, Cor a 9. Conclusion: Our
models support the notion that conversion is reasonably possible between
sIgE multiplex platforms for allergen extracts and components and may
provide options to aggregate data for future meta-analysis.