Evaluation of Serum Vitamin D Level in Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory relapsing highly pruritic skin disease. Its clinical presentation varies from acute eczematous eruption in early life to a characteristic lichenified dermatitis in older patients. It affects approximately 15-20% of children and 1-3% of adults in industrialized countries with its prevalence steadily increasing for the past three decades. Its histopathological changes are nonspecific and diagnosis of AD is usually based on clinical criteria. The chronicity of AD causes skin and systemic complications. AD has a profound effect on many aspects of patients’ lives and the lives of their families The aetiology and pathogenesis of AD result from interactions between multiple factors including genetic, environmental, psychological, climatic, barrier defect and the most importantly is an immunological factor. AD results from a combined IgE mediated and delayed type hypersensitivities. The course of AD changes from Th2 predominant state in acute AD with its cytokine pattern that in turn up regulates IgE into Th1 predominant cytokines pattern mainly IFN-g that down regulate Ig-E. IL-18 has a pivotal role in the switch of Th cytokines pattern.