[Comparative treatment between thalidomide and transfer factor in severe atopic dermatitis]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with complex genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
• Key immunological aberrations include elevated IgE, mediator release from mast cells and basophils, and skewed Th1/Th2 responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the safety and clinical efficacy of thalidomide and transfer factor in patients with severe atopic dermatitis.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen patients with severe atopic dermatitis were divided into two groups.
• One group received thalidomide (200 mg/d) and the other received transfer factor (15 units orally) for six months.
• Pre- and post-treatment laboratory studies assessed immunological and metabolic parameters.

Main Results:

• Both thalidomide and transfer factor groups showed statistically significant reductions in wound extent (p < 0.01) and symptom intensity, with significant decreases in SCORAD scores (p < 0.001).
• No adverse immunological or metabolic alterations were observed with either treatment, and no treatment suspensions were necessary.
• Patients' allergic rhinitis and asthma remained controlled during the study.

Conclusions:

• Thalidomide and transfer factor are safe and effective therapeutic options for severe atopic dermatitis.
• These treatments offer clinical benefits for managing this complex, multifactorial skin disease.