Serum vitamin D level in Egyptian children with atopic dermatitis and efficacy of vitamin D supplementation

Background Several studies have shown initial epidermal barrier dysfunction with subsequent immune activation as the underlying mechanism of atopic dermatitis (AD). In addition to its classical role in calcium homeostasis, vitamin D has been recognized for its effect on immune-modulation. Studies suggest a possible inverse association between vitamin D level and AD prevalence and severity of disease. Objective To study the relation between vitamin D levels in AD patients and the severity of the disease. Patients and methods The study recruited 50 participants: 30 AD patients and 20 age-matched and sexmatched controls. Blood samples were taken from all participants to assess serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] level and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level. Sixteen AD patients were divided into two groups: one received vitamin D supplementation for 4 weeks whereas the other did not. SCORing Atopic Dermatitis was evaluated before and after the trial. Results The results showed a significant decrease in serum 25(OH)D level in AD patients in comparison with the controls. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between serum 25(OH)D level and the severity of AD. There was a positive significant correlation between serum IgE levels and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis and a negative significant correlation between serum vitamin D and serum IgE levels. There was a significant improvement in the severity of AD in patients with vitamin D supplementation in comparison with patients without vitamin D supplementation. Conclusion Serum levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in patients than the controls and vitamin D deficiency is related to the severity of AD, suggesting a therapeutic benefit from oral vitamin D supplementation in improvement of disease severity.