Correlation of SCORAD score with absolute eosinophil count in atopic dermatitis: experience from a tertiary care center

Sumedh R. Khandare, Joyeeta Chowdhury, Rachana Laul, Avinash Namdeo Jadhao

Abstract


Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder commonly associated with Th2-mediated immune dysregulation and peripheral eosinophilia. Clinical severity is most often assessed using the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index; however, its routine application may be limited in high-volume clinical settings. Absolute eosinophil count (AEC) is an inexpensive and widely available laboratory parameter that may serve as an objective marker of disease severity.

Objectives

To assess the correlation between SCORAD score and absolute eosinophil count in patients with atopic dermatitis and to evaluate the potential of AEC as an objective biomarker for clinical severity.

Patients and Methods

This hospital-based, cross-sectional study included 100 consecutive patients of all age groups with clinically diagnosed atopic dermatitis attending a tertiary care center. Diagnosis was established using the Hanifin and Rajka criteria. Disease severity was assessed using the SCORAD index and classified as mild (<25), moderate (25–50), or severe (>50). Absolute eosinophil count was measured from peripheral blood samples using an automated hematology analyzer. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to evaluate the relationship between SCORAD and AEC, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean age of patients was 12.8 ± 6.4 years, with a male predominance (56%). A statistically significant moderate–strong positive correlation was observed between SCORAD score and absolute eosinophil count (r = 0.57; p < 0.0001). Absolute eosinophil counts increased progressively with increasing disease severity across SCORAD-defined categories.

Conclusion

Absolute eosinophil count demonstrates a significant positive correlation with clinical severity of atopic dermatitis. Given its simplicity, affordability, and widespread availability, AEC may serve as a useful objective adjunct to SCORAD for assessing disease severity, particularly in resource-limited clinical settings.

 

Received: 27 December 2025

Accepted: 18 January 2026

Published: 06 May 2026


Keywords


Atopic dermatitis; SCORAD; Absolute eosinophil count; Disease severity; Biomarker

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References


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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/AMPDR.2026.06.1.1874

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Copyright (c) 2026 Sumedh R. Khandare, Joyeeta Chowdhury, Rachana Laul, Avinash Namdeo Jadhao

Advances in Medical, Pharmaceutical and Dental Research

E-ISSN: 2812-4898

P-ISSN: 2812-488X

 

Published by:

Academy Publishing Center (APC)

Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

Alexandria, Egypt

ampdr@aast.edu