Effective treatment of pruritus in atopic dermatitis using H 1 antihistamines (second-generation antihistamines): changes in blood histamine and tryptase levels

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory and allergic skin disease that almost always begins in childhood and follows a course of remittance and flare-up. AD is characterized by intense pruritus and itchiness that can be triggered by an interplay of genetic, immunologic and environmental factors. Of the mediators, histamine is one of the most potent inducers of pruritus. Serum tryptase, which is also a mediator, may be used to examine allergic disease as well. The development of minimal sedation H 1 antihistamines (second-generation antihistamines) has revolutionized treatment of allergic diseases. Objective: The present study examines the efficacy of second-generation antihistamines in relieving pruritus due to AD. In addition, the relationship between AD pruritus and antihistamine therapy was analyzed by measuring the blood histamine and tryptase levels. Methods: Thirty-two AD patients were recruited and underwent second-generation antihistamine therapy for 2 weeks. Seventeen received combined topical corticosteroid treatment (Group 1) and the other 15 did not receive steroid treatment (Group 2). The Severity Index and Pruritus Score were assessed as an AD clinical activity index and compared with baseline data. Results: Both the Severity Index and Pruritus Score improved significantly in Group 1 ( P<0.001, P<0.05). Group 2 demonstrated a significant improvement in Pruritus Score ( P<0.05), but not in the Severity Index. Plasma histamine levels were significantly higher in AD at baseline compared with healthy controls. Conclusion: Following antihistamine therapy, these levels decreased significantly in both AD groups ( P<0.05). There was a significant correlation between baseline blood histamine and typtase levels. However, this correlation was not evident following treatment. This may reflect insufficient detection capabilities of the measuring assay. The present results suggest that second-generation antihistamine therapy provides an effective clinical treatment for AD, with a notable improvement in pruritus. Furthermore, antihistamine therapy reduced plasma histamine levels in AD patients. These findings further suggest that high blood histamine and tryptase levels in AD patients contribute to the pathogenesis of this disorder, including the onset of pruritus.