Background: It has been suggested that atopic dermatitis (AD ) is associated with impaired 8-6 desaturase activity and the subsequent altered composition of n-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs). Objective: To investigate whether n-6 EFA deficiency accounts for AD by affecting transepidermal water loss or the immune response. Methods: Serum levels of n-6 EFAs were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in a well-defined group of 35 children with AD( IgE level > 150 U/mL); 35 age- matched children with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or both (IgE level > 150 U/mL); and 31 nonatopic controls (IgE level .10). Conclusions: Deficits in n-6 EFAs were correlated with the severity of AD by affecting skin barrier function and cutaneous inflammation. The link between impaired n-6 EFA metabolism and IgE level could not be defined. ; 附設醫院皮膚部 ; 醫學院附設醫院 ; 期刊論文