A study on the relationship of allergy-related laboratory findings with the clinical severity of atopic dermatitis

Background: The serum levels of serum total IgE, peripheral eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) are known to be elevated in patients with atopic dermatitis. However, the relationship between these laboratory findings and the clinical severity of atolpic dermatitis is controversial. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum total IgE, peripheral eosinophil counts, ECP as severity indices or disease markers of atopic dermatitis in Korea. Methods: One hundred and thirty patients were evaluated for the symptoms and signs of atopic dermatitis, and classified into a mild, moderate or severe group according to the clinical severity. We measured for total serum IgE, peripheral eosinophil counts, ECP and assessed allergen-specific IgE using multiple allergosorbent test-chemiluminescent assay (MAST-CLA) and CAP-fluoroenzyme immunoassay (CAP-FEIA). Results: Serum total IgE and peripheral eosinophil counts of patients with atopic dermatitis showed a statistically significant correlation with the clinical severity (p < 0.05). Patients from the severe atopic dermatitis group revealed significantly higher ECP level than those in the mild or moderate group (p < 0.05). The most common inhalant allergen was D. farinae, followed by D. pteronyssinus, housedust, and the most common food allergen was wheat, followed by soyabean and egg white. Conclusion: Total serum IgE, peripheral eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) were good indices reflecting the severity of atopic dermatitis.