Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) in early infancy can lead to severe protein-loss in atopic dermatitis (SPLAD). The aim of this study was to elucidate the prognosis of SPLAD.
Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study based on medical records. Participants comprised 61 children with SPLAD hospitalized at the Allergy Center, National Center for Child Health and Development, from 2002 to 2017. We examined patient characteristics, blood test results, and prognoses up to 3 years, including frequency of topical corticosteroid-(TCS) use and food intake status.
Results: All participants improved hypoproteinemia and electrolyte abnormalities with AD treatment alone, without intravenous fluids. We performed proactive therapy to maintain remission by gradually decreasing the frequency of TCS-use. After 1, 2, and 3 years, 77%, 92%, and 95%, respectively, remission was maintained by using TCS 2 days a week or less, whereas 39% did not require TCS after 3 years. No participants received systemic therapy, including systemic steroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics. We observed that 29% of infants younger than 1 year at admission had eliminated one or more egg, milk, or wheat component after 3 years.
Conclusions: Even in patients with SPLAD, the most severe AD, TCS-use may be reduced to 2 days per week or less after 3 years with appropriate skin treatment.
Keywords: atopic dermatitis; child; hypoproteinemia; proactive therapy; severe protein-loss in atopic dermatitis.