Abstract

BLOOD VITAMIN D CONCENTRATION IN ATOPIC DERMATITIS PATIENTS

Dr.Subinay Datta, Dr.Maloy Kumar Mondal, Dr.Mrinal Pal*

ABSTRACT

Background: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is an allergic inflammatory skin disease with significant cost and morbidity to the patients and their families. The underlying cause of AD has not been established, however several studies have shown initial epidermal barrier defect with subsequent immune activation as the underlying mechanism of the disease. vitamin D is now recognized as immunomodulator. However, conflicting data exist with respect to the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders. Aim: The aim of the study was to measure the serum levels of vitamin D in the form of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in children with AD and to correlate them with the severity of the disease. Methods: The study included 62 children with the clinical diagnosis of AD. Using Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, the patients were divided into three groups; mild (SCORAD index<25), moderate (25-50) and severe (>50) and 61 children healthy control assessing the relationship between serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels. Vitamin D levels were measured in the sera of the patients using Enhanced Chemiluminescent method. Results: Highly significant decrease in serum 25OHD concentration was found in group with atopic dermatitis than in control group. Although the mean 25(OH)D levels in mild type of AD were not significantly different from those of the control population but average 25(OH)D levels further decreased with severity of the disease. Conclusion: Vitamin D serum level is a highly significant decrease in group with atopic dermatitis and is inversely correlated with the disease severity in children with AD.

Keywords: Vitamin D, Atopic dermatitis.