Frequency of atopic dermatitis and relevance of food allergy in adults in Germany.

Many factors may aggravate atopic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of atopic dermatitis in an unselected population sample and to evaluate the role of food allergy. Patients with atopic dermatitis were recruited from the population in Berlin, Germany, using a postal questionnaire.

Modulation of lymphocyte phenotype and function by immunoglobulins.

Background: Immunoglobulins have immune-modulating capacities and are used for the treatment of different dermatological diseases. They have also been reported for the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objectives: To determine the effects of immunoglobulins on the phenotype and function of peripheral T and B lymphocytes from patients with AD in comparison with healthy donors (HD) as controls.

[Nutritional status of adult patients with atopic dermatitis].

Many atopic dermatitis (AD) patients follow elimination diets for long periods of time because of true or--even more often--suspected food allergies or hypersensitivities. In the present study we investigated the nutritional status of adult AD patients by evaluating food intake protocols followed by measuring different serum parameters. Evaluation of the food intake protocols over 3 days (n = 47) showed that the total calorie intake met recommended intake in 12 patients (group A), ranged between 75-100% of the requirements in 23 patients (group B) and was 50-75% in 12 patients (group C).