The immunological status of children with atopic dermatitis.

We studied 16 children 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. Thus most of the abnormal immunological findings in atopic dermatitis nay be secondary to the disease process itself.