THE IMMUNOLOGICAL STATUS OF CHILDREN WITH ATOPIC-DERMATITIS

Sixteen children were studied during the quiescent phase of atopic dermatitis with a broad range of in vitro immunological tests. Subnormal levels of IgA were present in 2 children and subnormal IgG in 1. IgE levels were elevated in 6 children. T cell percentages were significantly but slightly reduced. Normal results were obtained for lymphocyte transformation to 3 mitogens, neutrophil chemotaxis, quantitative iodination and microbicidal activity, and for the serum levels of CH50, C3 and C4. Most of the abnormal immunological findings in atopic dermatitis may be secondary to the disease process itself.