To the Editor.—
Friedman and colleagues recently reported1 that they could not find increased levels of IgE antibodies to cell wall Staphylococcus aureus in patients with atopic dermatitis. We found the same results in a pilot investigation aimed at evaluating a possible beneficial effect on this parameter by topical treatment with a potent antistaphylococcal agent, fusidate sodium (Fucidin) for patients with atopic dermatitis and impetiginized lesions. Seven and six patients, respectively, received, in a double-blind manner, either fusidate sodium 2% cream, or a matching placebo cream applied twice daily on skin lesions for a two-month period.Before the start of, and at two-weekly intervals during treatment, S aureus cell wall IgE levels were determined in serum. Only one of 13 patients showed a significantly increased antibody level (9.3), and another four patients showed marginally increased levels (2.3 to 4.3) before treatment. The figures express percent binding, and the upper normal