Positive effect of subcutaneous immunoglobulins in severe atopic eczema in infancy associated with hypogammaglobulinemia
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial chronic skin disease with genetically determined defect of the epidermal barrier and genetically determined immunodysregulation. Common risk factors in infants are food allergens.
The infant form of AD appears in between 2 nd and 6 th month of age and presents with a spectrum of clinical manifestations that vary from mild local to severe generalized form. Increased total IgE and specific IgE against cow milk or eggs serum levels as well as significant hypogammaglobulinemia in majority of infant patients are often detected.
Immunological examination is fully indicated in severe AD form. Established hypogammaglobulinemia requires IgG substitutio n therapy leading to modulation of the immune system and results in a significant improvement of atopic dermatitis.