Low prevalence of the intrinsic form of atopic dermatitis among adult patients.
BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease commonly associated with respiratory allergies such as rhinitis and asthma, and a high serum level of IgE. In contrast to the 'classic' IgE-mediated allergic (extrinsic) form of AD, approximately 20% of the patients are reported to show normal IgE levels, lack of sensitizations towards environmental allergens, and absence of associated respiratory allergies. Accordingly, these patients are assigned to a nonallergic (intrinsic) form of the disease.


OBJECTIVE
In order to define these two forms of AD more closely, 259 adult patients with AD were investigated.


RESULTS
After a thorough diagnostic workup there were 18 patients (6.9%), who fulfilled the criteria of intrinsic AD. After follow-up, four additional patients had developed respiratory allergies or IgE-mediated sensitizations resulting in an overall proportion for intrinsic AD of 5.4%.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on these figures the nature and relevance of the intrinsic form of AD deserves further evaluation.
Fölster-Holst
R
R
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
Pape
M
M
Buss
Y L
YL
Christophers
E
E
Weichenthal
M
M
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution
D007073:Immunoglobulin E