Immune status in atopic eczema: a survey

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Abstract
A search was made of the literature for data on the in vitro assessment of immune status in atopic eczema patients and much confusion was found. The major findings were tabulated. Atopic eczema is a form of immune deficiency, although it is unclear whether this is a primary or secondary defect. A T [thymus-derived] lymphocyte deficit was often found while eosinophils, B [bone marrow-derived] lymphocytes and serum Ig[immunoglobulin]E are increased. Serum IgE levels appear to be correlated with severity of eczema symptoms. T lymphocyte levels may be overestimated in eczema when fetal calf serum is used in the E[erythrocyte]-rosette assay. Analysis of the literature for the effect of this serum in the assay confirmed that there is a T lymphocyte deficit in atopic eczema, but the serum masks it. Much of the confusion surrounding this issue can be resolved.

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