The IgE-microarray testing in atopic dermatitis: a suitable modern tool for the immunological and clinical phenotyping of the disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To define the role of IgE-microarray testing in atopic dermatitis where the multifunctional environmental factors implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease deserve a complex and exhaustive approach for the finest definition of relevant allergenic triggers, if any. RECENT
FINDINGS: Allergenic factors involved in atopic dermatitis have been reported in inducing atopic dermatitis. Environmental triggers, such as aeroallergens, food allergens, bacterial, and fungal antigen, and the presence of IgE to self-antigens have been described as well. The usefulness of the microarray testing has been preliminary described.
SUMMARY: As far as the number of potential triggers or worsening factors in atopic dermatitis is quite broad, we foresee a crucial role for the IgE microarray testing. The microarray testing is helpful in defining all additional reactivity the atopic dermatitis patient could have acquired in her/his allergic life, mostly related to inhalant allergens. Nevertheless, interpretation needs skills and thus this new technology should rather be reserved for the allergologist as it may lead to false conclusions if broadly used in general medicine. IgE microarray testing gives trustable results to define the nonallergic atopic dermatitis form because of the broad and comprehensive negative IgE testing.