Flare factors revisited: Correlation of serum immunoglobulin E and Vitamin D3 with atopic dermatitis severity

Objectives: The aim of this study is to estimate the serum level of IgE and Vitamin D3 in atopic dermatitis (AD) and correlate the same individually with the severity of AD. AD is one of the most disabling and chronically relapsing dermatoses worldwide, affecting all age groups, primarily children. The condition significantly degrades the quality of life of the patient and their family. This study will help us expand our knowledge on the investigational aspect (Serum Immunoglobulin E and Vitamin D3 levels) of the disease and hence implicate the role of vitamin D in reducing the severity of AD and its consequences. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed on 62 diagnosed cases of Atopic Dermatitis. The severity of AD was computed using the SCORAD index. Descriptive statistics and correlation coefficient were used to correlate the serum levels of IgE and 25-hydroxy cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) with the severity of AD. Results: The mean age of patients with Atopic dermatitis was 24.41 ±18.82 (mean ± S.D) years and, the majority of the patients were in the age group of 0-9 years (25.8%). The study found xerosis to be the most common minor criterion of Hanifin and Rajka’s. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.603, p -value = 0.0001) of serum IgE whereas a negative correlation (r = -0.234, p -value= 0.045) of serum Vitamin D3 levels with the severity of AD was evident. Conclusion: The condition and spectrum of AD is physically, mentally, financially and socially exhausting to the patient and their family members. This study reflects the significance of serum IgE and vitamin D3 levels in AD patients, enabling better management of symptoms and patient quality of life.