DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i02.023

Pages: 142-145

Background: Childhood eczema, commonly referred to as atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of pruritus and eczematous lesions. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a central role in allergic sensitization and has been implicated in disease pathogenesis. Elevated serum IgE levels have been associated with increased disease severity in several studies. Objective: To evaluate the association between serum IgE levels and clinical severity among children diagnosed with eczema. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 children diagnosed with eczema. Clinical evaluation included age, sex, disease duration, family history of atopy, associated allergic disorders, and disease severity assessment using the SCORAD index. Serum total IgE levels were measured and correlated with disease severity. Results: Elevated serum IgE levels were observed in 142 (64.5%) patients. Children with moderate-to-severe eczema demonstrated significantly higher serum IgE concentrations compared with those having mild disease. Higher IgE levels were significantly associated with increased SCORAD scores, recurrent disease episodes, family history of atopy, and concomitant allergic rhinitis or asthma. Multivariate analysis identified serum IgE >200 IU/mL, family history of atopy, and disease duration greater than two years as independent predictors of severe eczema. Conclusion: Serum IgE levels are significantly associated with clinical severity in childhood eczema. Elevated IgE concentrations may serve as a useful biomarker for identifying children at risk of more severe disease and recurrent exacerbations. Previous studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between serum IgE levels and SCORAD severity scores in pediatric atopic dermatitis.