[Clinical assessment and evaluation of total immunoglobulin E concentrations in blood of atopic dermatitis patients with allergy to airborne allergens].
UNLABELLED: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a disease with a complex pathomechanism, in which immunoglobulin E plays an important role. The aim of the study was to evaluate the immediate allergic response to airborne allergens in patients with AD, with consideration of serum level of total immunoglobulin E (total IgE). Severity of AD clinical symptoms was analyzed and correlated with the results of allergological diagnostics. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 529 patients with AD (aged 0.5-60 years) who fulfilled basic Hanifin and Rajka criteria were included in the study. The control group comprised 60 healthy volunteers. Both groups were comparable in terms of age and gender of subjects. All subjects had total serum IgE measured. Severity of AD symptoms was measured in the AD group using an atopic dermatitis index. RESULTS: Similar values of the AD index were found in AD patients with negative results of allergological diagnostics and those with positive results. The levels of total serum IgE were highest in the group of AD patients sensitive to airborne and food allergens (1271.1 +/- 792.0 kU/l) and in the group sensitive only to airborne allergens (750.9 +/- 680.3 kU/l). The levels of total IgE in these groups were significantly higher than in patients sensitive only to food allergens (184.3 +/- 250.1 kU/l). CONCLUSIONS: AD clinical picture does not allow identification of potential provoking factors. A high level of total serum IgE suggests participation of airborne allergens in the development of the disease.