Background: Although a growing body of evidence indicates that androgens modulate immune response and certain alterations in sex hormone metabolism and balance are thought to predispose an individual to immune-mediated diseases, few studies have investigated the role of androgens in atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS).

Objective: We evaluated serum concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and total testosterone in women with severe AEDS to characterize the hormonal milieu of such patients.

Methods: Serum concentrations of DHEA-S and total testosterone in 13 female patients with severe AEDS were compared with concentrations in weight- and age-matched healthy controls. Measurement was by electrical chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results: There were no signifi cant differences in serum concentrations of DHEA-S or testosterone between the 2 groups. We found no correlation between serum concentrations of DHEA-S and total immunoglobulin E.

Conclusion: This small study suggests there may be no abnormalities in peripheral blood concentrations of DHEAS-S and total testosterone in women with severe AEDS.

Key words: Dehydroepiandrosterone. Testosterone. Atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome.