Hepato-pancreato-biliary system pathology among children with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Aim. To determine the structure and character of the damage of hepato-pancreato-biliary system organs by ultrasound in children with atopic dermatitis of varying severity. Methods. 342 children aged 2 months to 17 years with atopic dermatitis in the acute period were examined with the use of standardized complex of clinical and laboratory methods. All children underwent ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs (liver, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen). Results. When analyzing the results of complex clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination of children with atopic dermatitis, in 51% of cases pathology of the pancreas was detected and as a rule was verified by ultrasound and treated as «reactive (responsive) pancreatitis», or «pancreatopathy». According to echography, changes of the gastrointestinal tract prevaled in infants and preschool children, their number amounted to 75% of all the examined children. Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly was detected in 76 (22%) and 80 (23%) children with atopic dermatitis, respectively, more likely in infants and preschool children - 67 (88%) and 72 (90%), respectively. Deformation of the gallbladder was diagnosed in 71 (21%) children. Conclusion. The received data show interaction between atopic dermatitis and high frequency of damage of hepato-pancreato-biliary system organs (especially of the pancreas) among children; gastrointestinal disorders can orchestrate the cascade of neuroimmunological reactions leading to the development of atopic dermatitis, that actualizes development of a strategy of timely neuroimmune correction of this disease.