[Total and specific IgE and immediate skin tests in the prognosis of atopic dermatitis]

The possibility of forecasting of atopic dermatitis (AD) course is limited. The aim of the study was to determine the prognostic usefulness of determination of total and specific IgE concentrations and the results of immediate skin tests in AD patients. The study included 480 adult patients with AD. Immediate skin tests with extracts of 18 aeroallergens and 10 food allergens were performed by PRICK method. Total IgE concentration and concentration of specific IgE (sIgE) against 13 aeroallergens and 12 food allergens were determined by the FAST method. For the assessment of the degree of pathologic process intensity the occurrence was determined of selected AD features according to Hanifin and Rajka exerting direct effect on the severity of the disease, urticaria, extensive cutaneous lesions and remission of the disease. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. In patients in whom total IgE concentration was significantly increased and/or hypersensitivity was found to aeroallergens, coexistence of atopic diseases of the airways, ectodermal defect, urticaria and extensive skin lesions was more frequently observed. Extensive skin lesions were also more frequent in patients with hypersensitivity to food allergens. The studies performed demonstrated that the diagnostic tests discussed are useful for prognostication of AD course. The presence of SIgE, positive results of immediate skin tests and high total IgE concentration prognosticate a more severe course of the disease.