Basal Serum Cortisol and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Levels in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease with eczematous pruritic lesions. Topical corticosteroids are the most widely used and the mainstay of treatment for AD. There are some studies that percutaneous systemic absorption of topical steroids may occur and lead to suppression of hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis (HPAA).

However, almost in all of these studies, “basic” HPAA function (before application of topical steroids) was not evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate basal serum cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and IgE levels in patients with AD and their correlation with disease severity.

Levels of basal serum cortisol, ACTH, and IgE were assessed by ELISA in 31 patients with AD and 31 control subjects. Clinical severity of AD was evaluated by the SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) index. Results: Data analysis showed no statistical difference for basal serum cortisol and ACTH levels between two groups.

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Basal Serum Cortisol and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Levels in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease with an onset in infancy or early childhood. It is characterized by severe pruritus, chronic and relapsing course, and typical clinical morphology including xerosis and eczematous lesions.

The incidence of AD has been increasing during past 30 years, whereas its current prevalence is estimated 12%. Atopic dermatitis is often associated with remarkable morbidity which results in patient hospitalization, absence from work or school, and loss of several work days.

In children, one of the most hazardous effects of AD is sleep disorders which may lead to behavioral disturbances. Furthermore, children are at risk of growth retardation as a complication of the disease. Unpredictable course, chronic and relapsing nature of the disease and disturbing pruritus can impose extensive psychological and emotional burden to patients with AD and their families.

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