Correlation of total serum IgE and density of house dust mites with severity of atopic dermatitis

ABSTRACT

Atopic dermatitis [AD] is a chronic relapsing skin disease that commonly begins during infancy and early childhood. Research studies refers to a relationship between exacerbation of atopic dermatitis and exposure to house dust mite [HDM], but the role of HDM in the pathogenesis of AD is controversial. The objecitve of this study was to assess the correlation of density of HDM in homes of AD patients with clinical severity of AD and total serum IgE level. The severity of AD was determined in 150 patients referred to Hazrat-E- Rasoul hospital dermatology clinic from May 2001 to February 2003 using SCORAD. Total serum IgE level and mite population densities in 5 minutes suction of floors and mattresses at the homes of patients were determined. There was statistical correlation between relative mite population densities and total serum IgE with SCORAD [P=0.01]. Reducing HDM population in homes of AD patients may help a better management of the patients