Adrenocortical function during prolonged treatment with clobetasone butyrate in children with chronic atopic dermatitis and elevated IgE levels.

Twelve children with chronic atopic dermatitis and elevated IgE levels (age range: 2-13 years; mean age = 8.2 +/- 3.5 years) were selected for the study and treated with clobetasone butyrate (0.05% cream) thrice daily during the first week, then twice daily for three weeks. Adrenocortical function was evaluated at the beginning and the end of treatment period. The results show that there was no statistically significant change in adrenal function during the study period (tetracosactrin test). The results of the immunological studies, namely total IgE using the paper disc radioimmunoassay technique, specific IgE using the radioallergosorbent test and immunoglobulin levels are given.