Serum IgE and absolute eosinophil count-A valuable serological markers in childhood urticaria

Abstract

: Urticaria is the most common skin disorder in children presenting to the paediatric department. Sometimes it can also present with angioedema which is an emergency condition requiring immediate treatment. Hence this study signifies the importance of Absolute eosinophil count and serum IgE in childhood urticaria and its correlation with disease severity and management.To analyse the Absolute eosinophil count and serum IgE in children with urticaria from age group of 1-12 years and its correlation with disease severity. An observational study on 49 children with urticaria and measurement of Absolute eosinophil count and serum IgE and categorised based on urticaria activity score.Most common age group affected was 5-12 years and mean age was 6.75±3.47. Out of 49 children, 97.95% of the affected children have raised serum IgE levels, 39% of the affected children have raised Absolute Eosinophil Count. There was also increase in serum IgE levels with increase in AEC levels were found.The disease severity increases with increasing levels of absolute eosinophil count and serum IgE in children with urticaria. Hence this study suggests that absolute eosinophil count and serum IgE should be regareded as a valuable markers in childhood urticaria.