[Psychological, immunological, and endocrinological implications of atopic dermatitis].
BACKGROUND
The atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease with immunological alterations, neuro-immune-endocrine implications and repercussions in the psyche.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of the use of psychological support in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.


METHODS
This study included 20 patients (from 15 to 50 years old) with moderated and severe atopic dermatitis based on the Hanifin and Rafka modified criteria. They were classified in three groups of treatment: A) 10 patients with transfer factor and psychological support, B) 10 with transference factor without psychological support, C) 10 healthy individuals as a control group. At the beginning and ending of the analysis the degree of severity of the illness was determined using the SCORAD scale.


RESULTS
There was a more statistically significant clinical improvement on group A than in group B, besides a decrease in anxiety and depression, at a laboratory level including hormonal behavior, without meaningful changes.


CONCLUSIONS
It was demonstrated that the treatment with immune-modulator and psychological support on the moderated and severe atopic dermatitis improves the clinical and immunological evolution of this illness.
Beltrán de Paz
Claudia
C
Departamento de Alergia e Inmunología Clínica, Hospital Lic. Adolfo López Mateos, ISSSTE, Avenida Universidad 132, Col. Florida, CP 01414, México, DF. claud_bp@yahoo.com
Flores Sandoval
Graciela
G
Orea Solano
Modesto
M
Gómez Vera
Javier
J
Serrano Miranda
Ernestina
E
Sevilla Flores
Patricia
P
Juárez Rojas
Yurhixy
Y
Estrada Parra
Sergio
S
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006966:Hyperprolactinemia / Q000209:etiology; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011598:Psychoneuroimmunology; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012944:Social Support; D014165:Transfer Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D014165:Transfer Factor; D007073:Immunoglobulin E