Abstract: Objective To study the role of serum IgE in atopic dermatitis(AD). Methods Fifty seven cases of AD patients, 98 parents of the patients and 30 healthy controls were selected in the investigation. The total serum IgE was measured. Results The levels of total serum IgE of AD patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (P<0.01). The AD patients with personal and family history of respiratory anaphylaxis tended to have higher IgE levels (P<0.01).The IgE levels were consistent with the severity of skin lesions. The levels of IgE were more likely to be high for those whose parents had high IgE levels and always much higher for those with respiratory anaphylaxis. Conclusion Serum IgE may play a part in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, and the results warrant further study.

Key words: Dermatitis,atopic, IgE