Intestinal permeability in patients with atopic eczema

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Atopic eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition.
• The role of intestinal permeability in atopic eczema pathogenesis is debated.
• Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding gut barrier function in eczema.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate intestinal permeability in adult patients with atopic eczema.
• To determine if altered small bowel permeability contributes to the development of eczema.
• To exclude other gastrointestinal conditions in patients with abnormal permeability.

Main Methods:

• In vivo assessment using a 51Cr-labelled ethylenediaminetetraacetate absorption test.
• In vitro assessment of jejunal mucosal permeability with probes of varying molecular weights.
• Exclusion of patients with immediate food allergy symptoms.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in 24-hour urine excretion of 51Cr-labelled ethylenediaminetetraacetate between eczema patients and controls.
• No significant difference in small bowel mucosal permeability between eczema patients and controls.
• Two patients showed abnormal results; one was diagnosed with coeliac disease.

Conclusions:

• Altered intestinal permeability does not appear to be a significant factor in the pathogenesis of atopic eczema.
• Patients with suspected increased intestinal permeability should undergo jejunal biopsy to rule out underlying small bowel disease.
• Further research may be needed to explore other potential gastrointestinal contributions to eczema.