Is There a Relationship Between Serum BDNF Levels, Disease Severity, and Psychiatric Symptoms in Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis?

TL;DR

This study found no link between serum BDNF levels and disease severity or psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with atopic dermatitis.

Contribution

The study is novel in examining serum BDNF levels in adolescents with atopic dermatitis in relation to disease severity and psychiatric symptoms.

Findings

Adolescents with AD had worse dermatological quality of life, lower body appreciation, more depressive symptoms, and poorer sleep quality than controls.

No significant differences were found in serum BDNF, basal cortisol, or CRP levels between the AD and control groups.

Serum BDNF levels did not correlate with disease severity or psychosocial parameters in AD patients.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, disease severity, and various psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD), compared to a healthy control group. Methods: This study included 50 patients aged 10–18 years with AD, along with a control group matched for age and gender. Measurements included complete blood count, basal cortisol, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and serum BDNF levels. Disease severity was evaluated using the Eczema Area and Severity Index. Participants also completed several instruments: the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Body Appreciation Scale, the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Social Anxiety Scale for Children—Revised. Results: The AD group experienced a more impaired dermatological quality of life, lower body appreciation, more severe depressive symptoms, and poorer sleep quality compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in serum BDNF, basal cortisol, and CRP levels. Furthermore, serum BDNF levels showed no significant correlation with disease severity or psychosocial parameters in patients with AD. Conclusions: The current findings do not suggest a link between serum BDNF levels and disease severity or psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with AD. Further research is necessary in this field.