Malassezia spp.-specific immunoglobulin E level is a marker for severity of atopic dermatitis in adults.
The significance of allergen-specific IgE as marker for severity of atopic dermatitis is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of IgE-mediated sensitisation to food and environmental allergens in 132 children and 67 adults with atopic dermatitis, and its correlation to severity of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD). Total IgE was elevated (> 100 kU/l) in 79.7% of adults and 46.8% of children. Sensitisation frequencies to allergens, particularly microbial allergens, were up to 10-fold higher in adults compared to children. Severity of atopic dermatitis correlated with elevated total IgE in adults (r = 0.549, p < 0.001) and children (r = 0.344, p = 0.005) and with Malassezia spp.-specific IgE in adults (r = 0.429, p = 0.007). Total IgE is a marker for severe atopic dermatitis in both age groups. Malassezia spp.-specific IgE is an important allergen-specific marker for severity of atopic dermatitis in adults.
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, CH- 8091 Zurich, Switzerland. glatz.martin@gmx.net.
Martin
M
Glatz
Matthias
M
Buchner
Wibke
W
von Bartenwerffer
Peter
P
Schmid-Grendelmeier
Margitta
M
Worm
Jürgen
J
Hedderich
Regina
R
Fölster-Holst
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000908:Antibodies, Fungal / Q000097:blood*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D007223:Infant; D008290:Malassezia / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012698:Serologic Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
D000485:Allergens; D000908:Antibodies, Fungal; D015415:Biomarkers; D007073:Immunoglobulin E