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Increased levels of urinary leukotriene E4 in children with severe atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome
Author(s) -
Øymar K.,
Aksnes L.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00658.x
Subject(s) - leukotriene e4 , medicine , sensitization , immunology , atopic dermatitis , pathogenesis , leukotriene , asthma , leukotriene d4 , allergy , gastroenterology
Background: Leukotrienes are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS). Urinary leukotriene E4 (U‐LTE4) is a marker of whole‐body cysteinyl‐leukotriene production. Aims of the study: To evaluate the role of leukotrienes in children with AEDS by measuring levels of U‐LTE4, and to evaluate whether levels of U‐LTE4 may reflect disease activity and allergic sensitization in AEDS. Methods: U‐LTE4 was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 87 children with mild ( n = 32), moderate ( n = 34) and severe ( n = 21) AEDS, as well as in 72 nonatopic healthy controls. Fifty‐eight of the children with AEDS were sentitized to common allergens, and 29 were not. Results: Levels of U‐LTE4 were higher in children with severe AEDS (140; 66–166 μ g/mmol creatinine, median; quartiles) than in controls (52; 30–90, P < 0.05), whereas levels of U‐LTE4 in moderate and mild disease were similar to controls. U‐LTE4 levels were similar in children with or without sensitization to common allergens, but severe AEDS children with sensitization had higher levels of U‐LTE4 than those without sensitization. Conclusion: The results suggest a role for leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of severe AEDS, and may support a role for leukotriene‐antagonists in the treatment of this disorder. Levels of U‐LTE4 may reflect the disease severity and sensitization to allergens in AEDS.