Atopic dermatits in infants and children in Israel: clinical presentation, allergies and outcome.
BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis is a common disease in infants and children and the incidence appears to be rising.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the presentation, allergies, and outcome among Israeli infants and children.


METHODS
Children with atopic dermatitis referred to the allergy clinic at a regional pediatric center were evaluated for their medical history and their allergy. The allergic assessment was determined by utilizing skin prick tests and/or serum specific immunoglobulin E concentrations. The children were reexamined again for all parameters at the end of the follow-up period.


RESULTS
Forty-six children with atopic dermatitis were studied, 27 males (58.7%) and 19 females (41.3%). A family history of allergy was found in 19 (41.3%). The median age at presentation was 17 months. Of the 46 children 33 (71.7%) revealed an allergy to one or more of the allergens. The most common combination was allergy to food and house-dust mites. The mean follow-up time was 64 months. By the age of 8 years full recovery was seen in 16 patients, half of whom recovered within 3.3 years from the date of presentation. The probability of complete remission was 58%, and for either complete or partial remission 76%. Upon reevaluation at the end of the follow-up period some patients lost their sensitivities, while others, who had been allergic to foods, became sensitive to house-dust mites and/or pollens.


CONCLUSIONS
Atopic dermatitis is an allergic problem in the northem region of Israel, as it is in other parts of the world. Food allergy and house-dust mites are major contributors to the evolution of eczema.
Rottem
Menachem
M
Allergy and Immunology Service, HaEmek Medical Center, Afula, Israel. menachem@rottem.net
Darawsha
Jamal
J
Zarfin
Joshua
J
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007223:Infant; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D039981:Pyroglyphidae / Q000276:immunology
D007073:Immunoglobulin E