Prospective Longitudinal Observational Research in Atopic Dermatitis

Overview

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a frequent chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disorder, characterized by intensely itchy eczema. AD usually starts within the first 2 years of life. In 30 - 60% of children, inflammation spreads onto other body surfaces such as the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract, and the conjunctives within a few years. This sequence is called atopic march. Atopic dermatitis and associated atopic diseases are more frequent in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition. However, the underlying factors such as genetic phenotype, environmental factors, or life style which cause or worsen an existing allergic disease are not understood yet. Affected people suffer from recurrent flares that result in significantly impaired quality. This study will collect clinical and laboratory data to elucidate immunotolerance and preventiv stategies with the aim to develop new and individual treatment options of atopic diseases.

Primary Objetive: In the planned project, the main objective is to identify endogenous (e.g. immunological and molecular factors) and exogenous factors (e.g. environmental, socioeconomic and microbial factors) that influence the course and remission of AD. More specifically to identify factors that are significantly different between patients that have or do not have remission from AD. Secondary Objective: (i) To identify endogenous and exogenous factors such as immunological, molecular and microbial factors to separate subgroups of patients (endotypes) with distinct local and systemic inflammatory responses. (ii) To identify potential biomarkers predicting the individual clinical course of AD and other atopic diseases including asthma, food allergy and allergic rhinitis.

Conditions