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Eyelid dermatitis: experience in 203 cases.

Allergic contact dermatitis has been considered the most common of the many dermatologic conditions found with eyelid dermatitis. This is a retrospective study of 203 patients who presented with persistent or recurrent eyelid dermatitis with or without dermatitis elsewhere. Almost all underwent patch testing and, when indicated, radioallergosorbent test, skin prick and intradermal tests, and in many cases, usage tests as part of the workup. Relevant allergic contact dermatitis was found in 151 of 203 patients (74.%): 46 (23.%) had protein contact dermatitis, but only 7% had protein contact dermatitis without concurrent allergic contact dermatitis. Less than 1% had irritant dermatitis alone. Twenty-three patients had atopic eczema, of whom 16 also had allergic contact dermatitis, protein contact dermatitis, or both. Other conditions included seborrheic dermatitis (n = 11), psoriasis (n = 7), dry eyes (n = 9), and dermatomyositis or overlapping connective tissue disease (n = 7). Important sources of contact sensitivity include cosmetics, metals, topical medications including corticosteroids, eye medications, dust mites, animal dander, and artificial nails; only 5 cases were caused by nail lacquer. Eyelid dermatitis is a multifaceted clinical problem, but in this group of patients, allergic contact dermatitis was a common cause, even among those with atopic eczema.

Cosmetics↗

The prevalence and descriptive epidemiology of atopic dermatitis in Singapore school children.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is a common disease that appears to be increasing in frequency during recent decades. Most of the studies are based on the Western population, and there are few data in the Asian population. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and descriptive epidemiology of atopic dermatitis among school children in the general community in Singapore. METHODS: This is a questionnaire study of 12 323 students done over a 1-year period, comprising 7 year olds (4605), 12 year olds (3940) and 16 year olds (3778) from 19 primary and 17 secondary schools randomly selected in Singapore. All children had a complete cutaneous examination. The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis was based on the U.K. Working Party diagnostic criteria. The questionnaire was translated into Chinese and both the English and Chinese versions were issued simultaneously to the students. RESULTS: The 1-year period prevalence of atopic dermatitis was 20.8%. Atopic dermatitis was present in 22.7% of 7 year olds, 17.9% of 12 year olds and 21.5% of 16 year olds. The overall sex ratio was equal. There were slightly more boys with atopic dermatitis among the younger children (6 and 12 year olds, 1.18 : 1 and 1.19 : 1, respectively) but more girls were affected (1.57 : 1) among the 16 year olds. Atopic dermatitis was more common among the Chinese (21.6%) and Malays (19.8%) compared with the Indians (16%) and other races (14%). The onset of the disease occurred before the age of 10 years in 49.5% of the 16 year olds. "Pure" atopic dermatitis without concomitant respiratory allergies was noted in 788 respondents (30.7%); 1775 (69.3%) suffered from a "mixed" type, with 34.3% having allergic rhinitis, 9.5% having asthma and 25.5% having both asthma and allergic rhinitis. More boys had atopic dermatitis and concomitant respiratory allergies whereas more girls were affected with "pure" atopic dermatitis alone (1.4 : 1). At least one first-degree family member with atopy was noted in 1435 children (56%): atopic dermatitis (70%), asthma (62%) and allergic rhinitis (68%). Among siblings with one parent with atopic dermatitis, 37% had either a father or a mother with atopic dermatitis. Common aggravating factors reported included exercise, heat and sweating, grass intolerance, thick clothing and stress. Pityriasis alba was noted in 25% of the study population, keratosis pilaris in 13% and ichthyosis vulgaris in 8%. Most respondents had mild to moderate atopic dermatitis that could be controlled with a fairly simple regimen of moisturizers, topical steroids, antihistamines and antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Singapore is similar to that observed in developed countries, suggesting that environmental factors may be important in determining the expression of the disease.

Adolescent↗

Skin colonization of Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis patients seen at the National Skin Centre, Singapore.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study sought to determine the bacterial colonization rates on eczematous and non-eczematous skin and nasal mucosa of patients with atopic dermatitis attending a tertiary dermatologic referral clinic in Singapore. The colonization rates were evaluated according to age, sex, race, and severity of dermatitis compared with controls. The results may help to determine whether antibiotics should be considered in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. PATIENTS: Patients, of any age, presenting with atopic dermatitis at the subsidized clinic of the National Skin Centre, Singapore, between 23 August 1996 and 14 September 1996, were included in the study. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients with atopic dermatitis were seen at the outpatient clinic during the study period. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 69.7% of the eczematous lesions and in 42.4% of non-eczematous skin of patients with atopic dermatitis. S. aureus was isolated in 53% of patients with mild dermatitis, and in 100% with moderate and severe dermatitis. The nasal carriage rate of S. aureus was higher in atopic dermatitis patients (51.5%) than in non-atopics (35%) (not significant). S. aureus was isolated in 42% of non-eczematous skin in atopics compared with only 5% in the control group (p = 0.003). In patients with atopic dermatitis, all S. aureus isolated was sensitive to cloxacillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, and co-trimoxazole; 92% was sensitive to erythromycin, but only 13% was sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin. In the control group, all S. aureus isolated was sensitive to cloxacillin, cephalexin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and co-trimoxazole, but only 13% was sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin, and 87% to tetracycline. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis was more frequently colonized with S. aureus than that of non-atopics. The more severe the dermatitis, the higher the rate of colonization. S. aureus is also more of than present in non-eczematous skin of atopics than of non-atopics. There is also a higher percentage of S. aureus nasal carriage in patients with atopic dermatitis than in non-atopics. Hence antibiotics may have a role in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Because 87% of S. aureus is resistant to penicillin and ampicillin, antibiotics such as cloxacillin and cephalexin should be used to eradicate S. aureus in the skin of atopic dermatitis individuals.

Adolescent↗

The aetiology of eyelid dermatitis: a 10-year retrospective analysis.

Few studies have examined the aetiology of eyelid dermatitis across broad demographics. The objectives of this study were (i) to compare the diagnoses of patients with isolated eyelid dermatitis to the diagnoses of patients with additional sites of involvement and (ii) to determine the relevant allergens among patients with allergic eyelid dermatitis. A retrospective analysis of 1215 patients patch tested over 10 years was conducted in this study. Compared to patients without eyelid dermatitis, patients with this entity were more often female. Of the 105 patients with eyelid dermatitis, 43.8% had allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), 36.2% seborrhoeic dermatitis, 11.4% other dermatitis/dermatoses, 7.6% irritant contact dermatitis, 3.8% psoriasis, and 2.9% atopic eczema. With isolated eyelid dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis was the most frequent diagnosis (46.3%) followed by ACD (35.2%). Allergens commonly causing allergic eyelid dermatitis consisted of fragrances, metals, neomycin, oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, tosylamide formaldehyde resin, benzalkonium chloride, and other preservatives. When evaluated according to sites of involvement, seborrhoeic dermatitis was diagnosed most often in patients with isolated eyelid dermatitis, but when dermatitis was distributed to facial or other sites, ACD was the most frequent diagnosis. A majority of the causative allergens for eyelid dermatitis are not present on the Food and Drug Administration-approved panels available in the USA.

Adolescent↗

Increased scratching counts depend on a decrease in ability of cutaneous prostaglandin D2 biosynthesis in NC/Nga mice with atopic dermatitis.

Spontaneous and 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)-induced dermatitis models using NC/Nga mice have been recognized as animal models of atopic dermatitis. We reported that scratching behavior leads to dermatitis in a spontaneous dermatitis but not in a TNCB-induced dermatitis. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) suppressed the scratching behavior of NC/Nga mice, suggesting that PGD2 plays a physiological role on inhibiting pruritus. We studied whether there was a difference in skin PG contents between spontaneous and TNCB-induced dermatitis. Spontaneous dermatitis was induced by cohabitation with NC/Nga mice having severe skin lesions. TNCB-induced dermatitis was caused by applications of TNCB. PGD2, PGE2, 6keto-PGF1alpha, and PGF2alpha contents in the skin were examined using enzyme-immunoassay kits. For studying ability to produce skin PGs, PG contents were evaluated after topical treatment of arachidonic acid (AA) or mechanical scratching. In spontaneous dermatitis, PGE2, 6keto-PGF1alpha, and PGF2alpha contents increased with dermatitis, but only PGD2 did not do so. In TNCB-induced dermatitis, PGD2, PGE2, 6keto-PGF1alpha, and PGF2alpha increased. Determination of skin PG contents after AA treatment or mechanical scratching revealed that skin PGD2 production of conventional group of spontaneous dermatitis was lower than the specific pathogen-free group. It seemed that ability of skin PGD2 production was attenuated in spontaneous dermatitis. These results suggest that enhancement of scratching behavior in spontaneous dermatitis was caused by the defect of ability to produce PGD2, which plays a physiological role in inhibiting pruritus, resulting in development of dermatitis.

Administration, Topical↗

Differential epidermal expression of the invariant chain in allergic and irritant contact dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis have different pathogenic mechanisms. It is therefore plausible that the epidermal expression of HLA-DR and the invariant chain associated with antigen processing and presentation might differ between allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. We have quantified the volume of epidermal HLA-DR and invariant chain reactivity and the total epidermal volume in allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis using confocal laser scanning microscopy and indirect immunofluorescence on acetone-fixed 25 microns thick vertical skin sections. Eight nickel allergic patients were patch-tested with 5% nickel sulfate and 8 healthy volunteers were patch-tested with 4% sodium lauryl sulfate. Skin biopsy specimens were taken at 0, 6, 24, and 72 h after application of the patch tests. Sodium lauryl sulfate induced a statistically significant increased epidermal volume at 24 h and 72 h compared to 0 h and 6 h (p < 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively), whereas an increase in epidermal volume in the allergic contact dermatitis group was not noted until 72 h after patch testing with nickel sulfate compared to 0, 6 h (p < 0.001) and 24 h (p < 0.004). No significant changes in the epidermal volume of HLA-DR reactivity were found at any time point within or between the two groups, nor was there any significant change in the epidermal volume of invariant chain reactivity in the allergic contact dermatitis group. In the irritant contact dermatitis group, however, the epidermal volume of invariant chain reactivity was significantly reduced from 17 +/- 8 x 10(3) microns 3 at 24 h to 9 +/- 3 x 10(3) microns 3 at 72 h (p < 0.04), which was also significantly lower than the 14 +/- 4 x 10(3) microns 3 observed in allergic contact dermatitis at 72 h (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the invariant chain expression was significantly lower than the HLA-DR reactivity in the irritant contact dermatitis group at 72 h (p < 0.001). The decrease of invariant chain reactivity at 72 h in irritant contact dermatitis might reflect an epitope-induced alteration by sodium lauryl sulfate or a down-regulated biosynthesis of the invariant chain due to variance in local cytokine production between allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis.

Adult↗

Scratching behavior in spontaneous- or allergic contact-induced dermatitis in NC/Nga mice.

NC/Nga mice have pathological and behavioral features similar to those seen in human atopic dermatitis. There are two known dermatitis models in NC/Nga mice, one being spontaneous-induced dermatitis under conventional conditions and the other 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)-induced allergic contact dermatitis. However, there are significant differences in time course on development of dermatitis. We studied the role of scratching behavior (sign of itch) on the development of dermatitis on spontaneous- and TNCB-induced dermatitis. We measured scratching counts, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin inflammation score, under conventional conditions or by applying 5% TNCB once a week for 6 weeks in NC/Nga mice. In spontaneous-induced dermatitis, scratching counts increased with the passage of time. The scratching counts were significantly increased only 1 week after housing the mice under conventional conditions, but no changes were observed in cases of TNCB-induced dermatitis. In spontaneous-induced dermatitis, TEWL and skin-inflammation score were gradually increased, time-dependently. On the other hand, in TNCB-induced dermatitis, these dependent values rapidly increased and reached a maximum only after 24 h TNCB application. These data suggest that pathogenesis of spontaneous- and allergic contact-induced dermatitis was clearly different. It will be of major interest to identify the pruritic mediators causing profound scratching behavior and scratching-induced aggravation of inflammation in the spontaneous-induced dermatitis, as opposed to the inflammatory mediators that cause contact allergic dermatitis without major scratching.

Animals↗

Aeroallergen patch testing for patients presenting to contact dermatitis clinics.

BACKGROUND: The role of aeroallergens in the production of allergic contact dermatitis or "allergic contact dermatitis-like" atopic dermatitis is controversial. Although techniques and allergens lack standardization, most studies find positive patch test results in 30% to 40% of patients with atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of positive aeroallergen patch tests in patients undergoing standard patch testing for suspected "nonaeroallerge" allergic contact dermatitis. METHODS: One hundred three consecutive patients referred to three university patch test clinics for patch testing were alos patch tested with six common aeroallergens in glycerine-dust, mold, cat epithelium, tree, grass, and weed-as well as with a glycerine control. Patches were removed at 48 hours. Readings were performed at this time and at 3 to 7 days after initial application. RESULTS: As determined by history, these 103 patients included 16 patients with both atopic dermatitis and mucosal atopy, 10 patients with atopic dermatitis only, 22 patients with mucosal atopy only, and 55 patients with neither atopic dermatitis nor mucosal atopy. Allergic reactions were seen to one aeroallergen in five patients (three with atopic dermatitis and mucosal allergy, and two with no history of atopy). The prevalence (3 of 16 [18.8%]) of reactions in patients with both atopic dermatitis and mucosal allergy was significantly greater than the prevalence (2 of 87 [2.3%]) in patients with only one or neither of these two atopic disorders (p = 0.02). None of these aeroallergen contact hypersensitivities were deemed significant in the patients' current dermatitis. However, reactions were of past relevance in two of the three patients with atopic dermatitis and mucosal allergy. CONCLUSION: In this referral group, none of the six common aeroallergens tested was relevant in the origin of suspected "nonaeroallergen" allergic contact dermatitis. This study suggests that aeroallergen patch testing is of little use in the evaluation of patients referred for routine patch testing for suspected "nonaeroallergen" allergic contact dermatitis. Similar but larger studies inclusive of the assessment of relevance, as well as masked controlled clinical trials assessing the effect of aeroallergen exposure and avoidance, are needed to evaluate this issue more fully.

Adult↗

Atopic dermatitis: the role of recombinant interferon-gamma therapy.

Atopic dermatitis is a common, chronic, relapsing cutaneous disease with typical cellular and humoral immunologic abnormalities that can result in significant physical and psychological morbidity to the patient. Atopic dermatitis typically begins in childhood and can often persist through adolescence into adulthood. Although there are a variety of treatments for atopic dermatitis, many patients' symptoms do not improve or they have adverse reactions to medications, requiring the search for other, effective therapeutic agents. A number of inflammatory and immunological abnormalities have long been noted in patients with atopic dermatitis. Although great strides have been made in understanding the causes, the complex pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis is still not completely understood. Most notably, patients with atopic dermatitis often have an elevation of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels, depressed cellular immunity, elevated blood eosinophilia, and increased interleukin (IL)-4 production. In addition, peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with atopic dermatitis produce reduced levels of interferon-gamma spontaneously and in response to stimuli. Due to this constellation of features, atopic dermatitis was initially viewed as a prototypical type 2 helper T lymphocyte (T(h2)) disease. These immunological findings led to a number of clinical trials with recombinant interferon-gamma in patients who had severe, unremitting atopic dermatitis. Treatment with recombinant interferon-gamma was postulated to be able to correct the immunological imbalances in patients with atopic dermatitis by decreasing serum IgE levels, IL-4 levels, restoring immune balance, and thereby leading to clinical improvement. Initial open-label studies, a double-blind placebo trial, and long-term open-label studies have demonstrated the clinical efficacy and tolerability of recombinant interferon-gamma in a subset of patients with severe, unremitting atopic dermatitis. Patients receiving treatment often had marked decreases in severity of clinical parameters: erythema, edema/indurations, pruritus, excoriations, dryness, lichenification and associated reduction in total body surface area involvement. Surprisingly, treatment with recombinant interferon-gamma did not lower serum IgE levels refuting the hypothesized mechanism by which interferon-gamma would bring about clinical improvement in patients with atopic dermatitis. Instead, decreases were noted in absolute white blood cell and eosinophil counts that tended to correlate with clinical improvement. Although the exact mechanism by which recombinant interferon-gamma brings about clinical changes in patients with atopic dermatitis is unknown, recombinant interferon-gamma should be considered a possible therapy for patients with atopic dermatitis.

Dermatitis, Atopic↗

Positive atopy patch test reactions to Pityrosporum orbiculare in atopic dermatitis patients.

BACKGROUND: Pityrosporum orbiculare, although a part of our normal cutaneous microflora, can cause skin infections and induce specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E antibodies in atopic dermatitis patients. P. orbiculare is therefore considered to be one of the trigger factors for atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if P. orbiculare can induce an eczematous reaction in atopic dermatitis patients, seborrhoeic dermatitis patients and healthy controls. METHODS: Fifteen atopic dermatitis patients, eight seborrhoeic dermatitis patients and eight healthy controls were patch tested with extract of P. orbiculare on non-lesional, tape-stripped skin of the back. NaCl was used as a negative control. The patch tests were evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h. Skin biopsies were taken from P. orbiculare patch test sites at 24 h and 72 h, from NaCl patch test sites at 72 h, from non-lesional skin and, in the atopic dermatitis patients, also from lesional skin. The skin biopsies were investigated with immunohistochemical techniques. P. orbiculare-specific IgE in serum was analysed with RAST. RESULTS: Specific IgE to P. orbiculare was found in serum from 13/15 atopic dermatitis patients and in eight of them a positive patch test reaction to P. orbiculare was observed, with a maximal reaction at 48 h. Significantly higher serum levels of P. orbiculare-specific IgE were detected in patch test-positive compared with patch test-negative atopic dermatitis patients (P < 0. 01). The seborrhoeic dermatitis patients and healthy controls were RAST and patch test-negative for P. orbiculare. In the patch test-positive atopic dermatitis patients an infiltration of CD4+ T cells and eosinophils was observed at the P. orbiculare patch test sites together with an upregulation of ICAM-1 and HLA-DR expression. CONCLUSIONS: P. orbiculare can induce an eczematous reaction in sensitized atopic dermatitis patients and may be an important trigger factor in these patients. The P. orbiculare patch test can be of diagnostic value in this subgroup of atopic dermatitis patients.

Adolescent↗

T cells and T cell-derived cytokines as pathogenic factors in the nonallergic form of atopic dermatitis.

A subgroup of patients with atopic dermatitis are known to have normal serum total immunoglobulin E levels, undetectable specific immunoglobulin E, and negative skin prick tests towards allergens. This form of the disease has been termed nonallergic atopic dermatitis. In this study, we found that, among 1151 chronic atopic dermatitis patients, about 10% had normal serum immunoglobulin E levels with no evidence for immunoglobulin E sensitization. We investigated immunologic mechanisms of patients with "allergic" and "nonallergic" atopic dermatitis using peripheral blood and skin biopsy samples. Our data suggest that T cells are likely involved in the pathogenesis of both forms of atopic dermatitis. Skin T cells equally responded to superantigen, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, and produced interleukin-2, interleukin-5, interleukin-13, and interferon-gamma in both forms of the disease. Interleukin-4, however, was not detectable in the skin biopsies of both atopic dermatitis types and was secreted in very low amounts by T cells cultured from the skin biopsies. Moreover, skin T cells from nonallergic atopic dermatitis patients expressed lower interleukin-5 and interleukin-13 levels compared with allergic atopic dermatitis patients. Accordingly, T cells isolated from skin biopsies of atopic dermatitis, but not from the nonallergic atopic dermatitis, induced high immunoglobulin E production in cocultures with normal B cells that was mediated by interleukin-13. In addition, B cell activation with high CD23 expression was observed in the peripheral blood of atopic dermatitis, but not nonallergic atopic dermatitis patients. These data suggest, although high numbers of T cells are present in lesional skin of both types, a lack of interleukin-13-induced B cell activation and consequent immunoglobulin E production in nonallergic atopic dermatitis.

Adult↗

Impaired responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to staphylococcal superantigen in patients with severe atopic dermatitis: a role of T cell apoptosis.

Staphylococcus aureus colonization is an almost universal feature of atopic dermatitis. In order to investigate the role of staphylococcal enterotoxin B in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, we assessed the correlation between clinical disease severity and proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to staphylococcal enterotoxin B in patients with atopic dermatitis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with mild atopic dermatitis showed significantly increased proliferative responses to staphylococcal enterotoxin B compared to controls. In contrast, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with severe atopic dermatitis showed markedly suppressed proliferative responses. Additionally, longitudinal evaluation of peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples from the same patient demonstrated that proliferative responses were suppressed only at times of severe disease exacerbation. Mixing experiments, using autologous T cells and antigen presenting cells that were isolated at different time points from the same patient, demonstrated that T cells of severe atopic dermatitis patients were dysfunctional, but their antigen presenting cell function remained intact. We found no significant differences of interleukin-2 levels in the culture supernatants between healthy controls and atopic dermatitis groups. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis for APO2.7 antigen, an early apoptosis cell marker, demonstrated that approximately 60% of staphylococcal-enterotoxin-B-stimulated T cells expressed APO2.7 antigen in severe atopic dermatitis cases. By contrast, 5%-20% of T cells expressed APO2.7 after staphylococcal enterotoxin B stimulation in cases of mild atopic dermatitis and in healthy controls. Nuclear staining with Hoechst 33258 also showed approximately 40% apoptotic cells in the CD19-CD16-PBMC of severe atopic dermatitis patients, compared with only 5%-10% in the mild atopic dermatitis group and in healthy controls. Blocking monoclonal antibody to Fas ligand partially prevented the staphylococcal-enterotoxin-B-induced apoptosis detected by APO2.7 expression and Hoechst 33258 staining. Suppressed proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in severe atopic dermatitis patients may be secondary to T cell death by apoptosis. These results suggest that an infection of S. aureus producing staphylococcal enterotoxin B may play a role in aggravation of atopic dermatitis by inducing apoptosis in T cells.

Adult↗

Characterization by phenotype of families with atopic dermatitis.

The aetiology of atopic dermatitis is unknown, but is probably multifactorial, with interactions between several genetic and environmental factors. Twin studies indicate a strong genetic factor, but the susceptibility genes are unknown. This paper, describing the phenotypes of family material, forms part of a large genetic study seeking to identify susceptibility genes for atopic dermatitis by linkage analysis. We selected families with at least 2 siblings affected with atopic dermatitis (1,097 affected siblings who together form 650 affected sib pairs and 49 affected half-sib pairs). We established a phenotype database of information about the affected siblings and their relatives, in total 5,830 individuals. All siblings were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and participated in a standardized interview covering aspects of atopy and atopic dermatitis. Of the affected siblings, 72% suffered or had suffered from asthma and/or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and 74% had raised total and/or allergen-specific IgE serum levels. Seventeen percent of the siblings had been hospitalized for atopic dermatitis. Sixty-nine percent had 1 or both parents with atopic dermatitis. Among siblings with 1 parent with atopic dermatitis, 37% had a father with atopic dermatitis and 63% had a mother with atopic dermatitis, indicating maternal preponderance. Analysis of the occurrence of atopic dermatitis in relation to the birth order in the sibship shows an increased risk of atopic dermatitis in persons born early in a sibship. Although the families were selected for genetic sib-pair linkage analysis, we believe that this material is representative of atopic dermatitis families managed at hospitals in Stockholm.

Adolescent↗

Gastrointestinal disorders in children with atopic dermatitis.

UNLABELLED: The aims of this study were to analyze the peculiarities of allergies to food; to determine gastrointestinal disorders, endoscopic signs of mucosal damage and histological lesions of the mucosa and to establish their relation to the extent of atopic dermatitis and its degree of severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 164 children (86 boys and 78 girls) suffering only from atopic dermatitis were examined. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed using standard diagnostic criteria; extent of disease (the Basic Clinical Scoring System (BCSS)) and the severity (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index), total serum IgE levels were determined; skin prick and patch tests with the main food allergens were performed. Using questionnaire gastrointestinal disorders with the symptoms of atopic dermatitis were ascertained. In children with atopic dermatitis suffering from chronic dyspepsia esophagealgastroduodenoscopy was performed and biopsy samples from the antrum of the stomach and duodenum were taken. RESULTS: The age of patients ranged from 6 months to 18 years. According to extent of atopic dermatitis and degree of severity localized, mild atopic dermatitis prevailed. Analysis of the changes in total Ig E levels showed different degree of sensitization of the children examined. Considering the type of allergic reaction, immediate-type allergic reactions dominated only in 11.6% of children with atopic dermatitis, whereas delayed-type allergic reactions manifested in 44.5% of children. No food allergy was present in one-fifth of children with atopic dermatitis. One hundred four (63.4%) children complained of gastrointestinal disorders. Of these 104 patients, 17 children (mean age 6.9 years) who underwent esophagealgastroduodenoscopy with biopsy had no pathology; however, histological examination of mucosa revealed eosinophilic infiltration in the gastric antrum and duodenum in three children. CONCLUSIONS: The most common gastrointestinal disorders are: abdominal pain vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distention, and constipation. The incidence of gastrointestinal disorders does not depend on the extent and severity of atopic dermatitis. Gastrointestinal disorders manifest independent of the type of allergic reactions inducing atopic dermatitis. The most common food allergens, such as soy, milk, peanuts, corn, carrots, rye, wheat, white of the egg, cod, and chicken were determined by skin patch test. According to our data, no pathology was found in children with atopic dermatitis during endoscopic examination. Our data showed that allergic-like changes in gastric and duodenal mucosa were present only in older (7-10-year-old) children.

Adolescent↗

Prognosis of atopic dermatitis. A prospective study in early adulthood.

The course and development of atopic symptoms were followed up in 801 atopic dermatitis patients, in 207 allergic rhinitis or asthma patients, and in 517 control subjects. The patients were studied in the Dermatology Clinic during their teens and the follow-up studies were carried out at the ages of 22-41. Persistent or frequently relapsing dermatitis occurred in 77-91% of those who suffered from severe or moderate atopic dermatitis during their teens and in more than one half of those patients who only had mild dermatitis at the corresponding age. Atopic dermatitis had started in 13-17% of allergic rhinitis/asthma patients. At the time of the follow-up examination, severe dermatitis was seen in only six percent and moderate symptoms in 35% of atopic dermatitis patients. Dermatitis was generally seen in multiple loci: on the face, hands, extremities, and body. Deterioration of dermatitis in autumn and winter was experienced by one third to 88% of the atopic dermatitis patients. Psychic stress was experienced as a major aggravating factor in one half to two thirds of atopic dermatitis patients. Prick test positivity occurred in 62-89% of the dermatitis patients. Animal allergens, molds, grasses, birch, and house dust mite were the most common allergens. Associations between evident allergen exposure and deterioration of the dermatitis occurred in individual cases.

Adolescent↗

[Clinico-statistical investigation about cement dermatitis in Italy].

To define the prevalence of cement dermatitis (allergic contact dermatitis-ACD-and irritant contact dermatitis-ICD), two retrospective studies have been carried out in Italy: the first one based on the analysis of dermatitis cases ascribable to cement as defined by INAIL (Italian Institute for Industrial Accidents Insurance) from 1984 to 1992; the second one by surveying cement dermatitis cases in workers in the building industry aged between 16 and 70 carried out by Istituto di Clinica Dermatologica dell'Università di Bari from 1988 to 1994. The survey on INAIL data showed that in the years take into account 5,290 dermatitis cases included in item 41 of the occupational diseases table have been defined. About 80% of these cases have been observed in workers working as bricklayers and floor-layers. Therefore, given the remarkable exposure to cement in these professions, the prevalence of cement dermatitis in Italy has been estimated to 6 cases/province/year, even though it has not been possible recognize the clinical form of cement dermatitis. Moreover, the study showed that disabling cutaneous after-effects eligible for compensation have been observed in 30% of the cases defined by INAIL. The allergologic study carried out by Clinica Dermatologica has not only defined the incidence of contact dermatitis (ACD and ICD), in building workers, but it has also extrapoled dermatitis cases due to cement. As a whole, in the years taken into account, 166 occupational or mixed ACD cases and 77 occupational or mixed ICD have been diagnosed. The incidence of contact dermatitis ascribable to cement has equalled 79% among ACD and 88% among ICD, with a ratio of about 2 to 1 in favour of allergic forms. Among the chemicals tested, potassium bichromate showed the highest frequency of cases positive to patch tests. The skin site the most affected by cement dermatitis is hand, followed by upper limbs, lower limbs and feet. In the province of Bari, in the years taken into account, an average incidence of 28.4 cases per year of the two forms of cement dermatitis has been observed.

Adolescent↗

Topical vitamin A, or its derivatives, for treating and preventing napkin dermatitis in infants.

BACKGROUND: Napkin dermatitis (nappy or diaper rash) is a non-specific term used to describe inflammatory eruptions (rashes) in the napkin area. Most infants develop napkin dermatitis at least once during their infancy. Topical vitamin A has been suggested as a treatment for napkin dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: To determine if treatment with topical vitamin A is successful in either preventing napkin dermatitis, or producing resolution or decreasing the severity of napkin dermatitis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register (May 2005); Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2005); Ovid MEDLINE from 1966 to August 2005; EMBASE (2003 to May 2005); Ovid OLDMEDLINE (1950 to 1965); and CINAHL (1982 to August 2005). We also searched reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials, where the topical application of medication containing vitamin A (or its derivatives) was compared with either placebo, no treatment or other topical medication, for the prevention or treatment of napkin dermatitis in infants aged from zero to two years. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors (AJD and MWD) identified and checked titles and abstracts obtained from the searches, and reviewed the full text where necessary. They decided which trials met the inclusion criteria, and recorded their methodological quality. They assessed studies as either adequate, unclear or inadequate using the following key criteria: (a) randomisation (method of generation and concealment of allocation); (b) blinding; (c) loss to follow-up. MAIN RESULTS: We did not find any studies for the treatment of napkin dermatitis. We found only one study comparing the use of topical application of medication containing vitamin A, with another topical medication or placebo, to prevent napkin dermatitis. This included study, of 114 newborn infants, reported no significant differences between groups with regard to the severity or duration of napkin dermatitis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of napkin dermatitis there is no evidence to support or refute the use of topical vitamin A preparations. For the prevention of napkin dermatitis there is no evidence to suggest that topical vitamin A alters the development of napkin dermatitis. Further RCTs are required to determine whether topical vitamin A is efficacious in treating or preventing napkin dermatitis.

Administration, Topical↗

Overexpression of IL-10 in atopic dermatitis. Contrasting cytokine patterns with delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions.

The skin lesions of patients with atopic dermatitis provide a model to study immunoregulation in human allergy. To determine the local cytokine pattern of cells present (both endogenous and recruited) at the site of disease, we extracted RNA from skin biopsy specimens from patients with atopic dermatitis, allergic contract dermatitis, and positive tuberculin reactions and used PCR to assay for cytokine mRNA. cDNAs were normalized to the intensity of the CD3 delta PCR product as a marker of T cell mRNA. We found overexpression of IL-10 mRNA in atopic dermatitis lesions, in comparison with allergic contact dermatitis lesions and tuberculin reactions. In contrast, IL-4 mRNA was most strongly expressed in allergic contact dermatitis lesions and IFN-gamma mRNA was the predominant cytokine in tuberculin reactions. Using an anti-IL-10 mAb with immunoperoxidase, we localized IL-10 protein to large mononuclear cells in the dermal infiltrate of atopic lesions. After immunomagnetic sorting of mononuclear cell populations from PBMC of atopic dermatitis subjects, IL-10 mRNA as measured by PCR was found to be strongly expressed in CD14+ cells. Spontaneous release of IL-10 from PBMC-derived adherent cells was greater in atopic dermatitis donors than normal controls. We therefore renormalized skin biopsy cDNA according to the level of beta-actin PCR product, as a marker of total cellular mRNA, and found by PCR that IL-10 was nevertheless greatest in atopic dermatitis subjects. We conclude that the relative overexpression of IL-10 in atopic dermatitis greatest in atopic dermatitis subjects. We conclude that the relative overexpression of IL-10 in atopic dermatitis may contribute to the up-regulation of humoral responses and the down-regulation of Th1 responses.

Adult↗