Utility of serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine as a biomarker for monitoring of atopic dermatitis severity

Background: Serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (sTARC) levels reflect disease severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) in small study populations. It remains unclear whether sTARC is a reliable outcome measurement for AD severity in heterogeneous AD populations in daily practice. Objective: We sought to assess the utility of sTARC as a biomarker for monitoring AD severity in adults in daily practice. Methods: sTARC, clinical skin score (Six Area, Six Sign AD [SASSAD]), and body surface area measurements were collected from all adult patients with AD visiting our clinic between March 2009 and March 2012, at first visit or exacerbation (baseline). In addition, data from short-term and long-term follow-up visits were collected. Results: At baseline sTARC levels ranged widely (n = 320; minimum-maximum: 3-50,400 pg/mL) and sTARC and SASSAD or body surface area correlated moderately. In the majority of patients, sTARC and SASSAD or body surface area changed congruently during follow-up. Limitations: Data were collected retrospectively. Conclusion: sTARC may represent a suitable biomarker for monitoring of AD severity in daily practice.