Evaluation of serum zinc level in patients with atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, which involves a comprehensive interaction of immunological, hereditary and ecological factors. Objective. To determine the relationship between zinc level in the blood of patients and severity of atopic dermatitis. Material and methods. The study included 35 subjects with clinically diagnosed dermatitis. Patients with acute and chronic diseases, taking zinc supplements, corticosteroids, antibiotics were excluded from the study. In addition, 15 healthy individuals participated in the study as a control. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the severity according to EASI. Blood samples were collected from all subjects. Results. A significant difference in serum zinc levels was observed between the groups of pateints and control group. Patients with mild AD demonstrated the highest mean zinc levels — 97.86±6.71 μg/dL. They were followed by patients with moderate AD and mean zinc level equal 89.72±6.43 μg/dL. Patients with severe AD had the lowest serum zinc level — 82.23±6.37 μg/dL. Thus, atopic dermatitis severity can be established based on zinc level. Conclusion. The results show that age influences serum zinc level in patients with atopic dermatitis, in particular young patients have lower levels. These results emphasize the importance of assessing serum zinc level in patients with atopic dermatitis considering disease severity to determine further treatment strategy.