T helper 2 polarization in senile erythroderma with elevated levels of TARC and IgE.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Some cases of senile erythroderma tend to be diagnosed as senile atopic dermatitis (AD) based on elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC). However, there are few studies that describe the detailed characteristics of senile erythroderma and senile AD. OBJECTIVE: We examined the association of erythroderma with AD. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, 68 patients over 65 years of age who presented with erythroderma at Osaka University Hospital were enrolled. Patient data were collected through medical records and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: 47% of the patients were classified as having idiopathic erythroderma and 53% as having secondary erythroderma. In both idiopathic and secondary senile erythroderma patients, serum IgE and TARC levels were elevated. 84% of idiopathic erythroderma patients fulfilled the Japanese Dermatological Associations criteria for AD; however, only 4 patients were finally definitely diagnosed with senile AD. CONCLUSION: Many senile erythroderma patients showed AD-like symptoms due to T helper 2 polarization.