![]() ![]() Elevated levels of IgE often are seen in patients with allergies.įirst author Amy Xu and principal investigator Brian S. Immunoglobulins are antibodies deployed by the immune system to fight infections. In blood samples, three of those four had high levels of the protein IgE - an immunoglobulin that is a marker of inflammation. The four patients researchers zeroed in on were ages 75 to 90. They found “an incredible amount of dysfunction,” Kim said, adding that he has seen similar defects in numerous additional patients not included in the current study. The researchers took blood samples and skin biopsies from a small sample of patients - only four are reported in the study - to look for immune problems. “The immune system needs to be in balance, and we hope to find ways to restore that balance in patients with this very debilitating condition.” Kim, MD, an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Dermatology. “As doctors, we throw things like antihistamines, ointments and lotions at patients who suffer chronic itching, but if there is something profoundly abnormal about the immune system - as it appears there is - then we can’t solve the itching until we address those underlying causes,” said principal investigator Brian S. The findings are reported in the May issue of The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Louis identified immune system irregularities that may prompt the urge to scratch. ![]() In a small study of such patients, researchers from the Center for the Study of Itch at Washington University School of Medicine in St. People who suffer itching with no clear cause may have previously unrecognized immune system defects. ![]()
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