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[Raynaud-like phenomenon in infants with atopic dermatitis: correlation with serum endothelin-1 levels]
Takatsugu Kojima1, Shoichiro Taniuchi, Takao Aoki
1Kojima Clinic, Japan. kojimata@tj8.so-net.ne.jp
Insights
Infants with severe atopic dermatitis (AD) may experience Raynaud-like phenomenon (RP) due to elevated endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels. This suggests endothelial dysfunction contributes to secondary RP in severe AD cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Vascular Biology
- Immunology
Context:
- Infants with severe atopic dermatitis (AD) can exhibit symptoms resembling Raynaud-like phenomenon (RP), characterized by cold and pale extremities.
- The underlying physiological mechanisms linking severe AD to secondary RP require elucidation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the correlation between serum endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitrate (NO3) levels and the severity of atopic dermatitis in infants.
- To explore the potential role of endothelial dysfunction in the development of secondary RP in infants with severe AD.
Summary:
- A study of 37 infants examined serum ET-1 and NO3 levels in relation to AD severity.
- Five infants under six months with severe AD presented with RP and exhibited significantly elevated serum ET-1 levels.
- Serum NO3 levels showed only mild elevation, suggesting ET-1 as a key factor.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that elevated ET-1, potentially due to endothelial stress or damage, may be a significant factor in secondary RP development in infants with severe AD.
- This research highlights a potential pathway for understanding and managing vascular complications in pediatric atopic dermatitis.
Abstract:
Infants with severe atopic dermatitis (AD) sometimes have cold and pale fingers and toes as observed in patients with Raynaud-like phenomenon (RP). We tried to clarify the physiological mechanism of secondary RP in patients with AD. The correlation between serum endothelin-1 (ET-1) or nitrate (NO3) levels and the severity of AD was examined in 37 patients. As a result, RP was observed in 5 boys younger than 6 months of age and with severe AD. These 5 infants had high serum ET-1 levels. However, serum NO3 levels were only mildly elevated. These results suggest that secondary RP in AD may occur with elevated ET-1 caused by stressed and/or damaged endothelium in infants with severe AD.