Atopic Dermatitis Flashcards
Define atopic dermatitis
- genetically inherited, relapsing pruritic dermatitis
- most commonly assoc. w/ IgE against environmental allergens
What is the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis?
Multiple different mechanisms
- Type I hypersensitivity (IgE)
- T cell imbalances
- Primary skin barrier defect
What is released when a mast cell degranulates?
-
pre-formed mediators
- proteases (e.g. typtase)
- heparin
- histamine
-
newly-formed mediators
- prostaglandins
- leukotrienes
- cytokines (e.g. IL1/6, TNF-a)
What is the pathogenesis of acute atopic dermatitis regarding an imbalance in T cell populations?
Many more T helper 2 cells (IL 4/5/31) than helper 1’s –> increased IgE production
What is the pathogenesis of chronic atopic dermatitis regarding an imbalance in T cell populations?
more T helper 1 cells than helper 2s
Describe the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis regarding a disease of the skin barrier
- abnoramilities in upper layers of the epidermis
- incr skin permeability and allergen penetration
- higher risk for allergic sensitization
What are the two routes of allergen access for AD?
- inhalation
- inhaled, then systemically absorbed, IgE migrates to tissue and binds to mast cells
- percutaneous absorption
- allergen captured by LC in the skin –> local production of IgE
What are the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis?
- familial hx
- strong breed predilection
- terriers, shar-peis, setters, retrievers, beagles, dalmatians, cockers
- onset b/t 1-3 yr
- seasonal signs at first
- progressive worsening w/ time
- pruritis and erythema: face, feet (front first), ears, groin, axillae
- with chronicity:
- excoriations, lichenification, hyperpigmentation
- secondary ear and skin infections
- pyoderma
- malassezia dermatitis and otitis
Describe atopic dermatitis in cats
- young adults
- progressive worsening with age
- C/S:
- pruritis
- symmetrical alopecia
- miliary dermatitis
- eosinophilic granuloma complex
How do you diagnose atopic dermatitis?
- hx, c/s, exclusion of other pruritic diseases
- scabies, food allergy, flea allergy, etc.
- at least 3 major and 3 minor criteria:
- Major:
- pruritis
- facial and/or digital involvement
- lichenification of the flexor surfaces
- chronically relapsing dermatitis
- familial hx
- breed predilection
- Minor:
- onset of C/S before 3 yrs of age
- facial erythema
bacterial conjunctivitis - superficial pyoderma
- hyperhydrosis
- positive skin test
- elevated allergen specific IgE
What is the purpose of allergy testing and what are the two types of testing?
- to select allergens to use for immunotherapy
- Two types: IDST and serology
Describe intradermal skin testing (IDST)
- evaluate the presence of IgE in the skin
- small amounts of allergens are injected in the skin
- evaluation of mast cell degranulation
What is the procedure for intradermal skin testing?
- before skin testing:
- treat all concurrent dz (e.g. infections)
- off steroids for 2 mo
- off antihistamines for 2 wks
- select allergens of the area
- clip an area on the lateral thorax
- sedate the patient (xylazine)
- inject 0.05 cc ID
- negative control (saline)
- postive control (histamine)
- allergens
What are you evaluating for after a skin test?
- immediate reactions - 15 min
- subjective: erythema, induration, size
- objective - measurement of wheal
What are examples of false positive reactions after a skin test?
- irritant allergens
- contaminated allergens
- skin sensitizing antibodies
- poor technique
- substances that trigger mast cell degranulation