IgE mediated hypersensitivity to pancreatic extract (PE) in parents of cystic fibrosis (CF) children.

On exposure to pancreatic extract (PE), four parents of cystic fibrosis (CF) 
children developed immediate hypersensitivity-like symptoms: i.e. rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, and/or anaphylaxis. IgE 
to PE was demonstrated in the subjects by skin testing, leucocyte 
histamine release and radioallergosorbent test (RAST). No serum precipitating antibodies were 
found. Bronchial challenge caused an immediate asthmatic response. No delayed asthmatic 
response or hypersensitivity pneumonitis-like reaction occurred. The responsible antigen for PE 
induced asthma is unknown; trypsin failed to inhibit PE-RAST and is 
therefore not responsible in these subjects. Caution should be exercised in 
using PE for skin testing and bronchial challenge in subjects with 
suspected hypersensitivity to PE. Certain measures were found useful in preventing 
the occurrence of symptoms in the four subjects. 