ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: SCORing atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index is the best validated scoring system in atopic dermatitis (AD). But this scoring system has limitation to the interobserver and intraobserver variation. This study was designed to evaluate the correlation between the severity of AD classified by the SCORAD index and the laboratory tests. METHODS: We evaluated 67 children admitted in the pediatric allergy and respiratory division of Busan St. Mary's Medical Center from April 1 to 30, 2011. SCORAD index was measured by one same physician. The patients were classified into mild to moderate and severe groups by SCORAD index. We identified sex, age and family history of allergic disease. We checked laboratory tests including mycoplasma immunoglobulin (Ig) M, total IgE, eosinophil count, eosinophil cationic protein, specific IgE, total protein, albumin, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and inflammatory index (lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and skin culture. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in age, sex, parental allergic history, skin culture, mycoplasma IgM, specific IgE, immunoglobulin, and inflammatory index. The SCORAD index has statistically significant positive correlations with serum total eosinophil count, and total IgE, and negative correlations with total protein, and albumin. CONCLUSION: Our study suggest that serum total eosinophil count, total IgE, total protein, and albumin can be used to evaluate the severity of AD and make up for the SCORAD index.