Relationship between serum IgE level and migraine headache

Abstract

Background: Migraine is a pulsatile, unilateral headache usually with nausea, vomiting, photophobia and fatigue. Considering the prevalence of Migraine headache and the suggested role of allergens in its appearance, the relationship between serum level of IgE and Migraine headache was scrutinized in this study. Materials and Methods: Fifty known cases of Migraine headache and 100 control cases were selected from the patients referred to neurology clinic of Shahid Beheshti Hospital and private neurology clinic. Demographic data including age, sex, and family history of headache were recorded and matched in both groups. Two cubic centimeters (cc) of venous blood obtained from each case and tested for serum level of IgE with Eliza. Data analyzed with Chi-Square Test, T test, CI, and OR Tests. Results: Out of 50 Migraine patients 35 (70%) were female and 15 (30%) male, and of 100 control group 70 (70%) female and 30 (30%) male. Most of the patients were in age range of 31-45 years old (34%), and so the control group was selected from the same range. Mean serum IgE level in Migraine patients was 109.55 ± 77.32 IU/ML and in control group 83.38 ± 54.8 IU/ML and in all controls and cases it was 92.1 ± 64.14 IU/ML. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was no difference in age between the groups. The difference in family history between case and control groups was significant (p<0.05), and the difference in serum IgE level was also significant between case and control groups with and without positive family history (p<0.05). There was no meaningful difference between other variables. Conclusion: Based on the differences of IgE serum level between Migraine headache patients and normal cases there may be a cause and effect relationship which must be further evaluated. This may be helpful in prophylaxis and treatment of Migrain