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Low prevalence of the intrinsic form of atopic dermatitis among adult patients
Author(s) -
FölsterHolst R.,
Pape M.,
Buss Y. L.,
Christophers E.,
Weichenthal M.
Publication year - 2006
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.1398-9995.2006.01076.x
Subject(s) - medicine , allergy , atopic dermatitis , asthma , immunoglobulin e , disease , dermatology , immunology , respiratory system , atopy , antibody
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. Objectives: 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.