This paper investigates whether looking at IgE-positive cells in the small intestine (duodenum) could help predict which children with severe eczema would benefit from an elimination diet. The researchers wanted to find a way to identify which children would respond well to dietary changes.

The researchers performed intestinal endoscopy on children with severe eczema who also had digestive symptoms. They counted IgE-positive cells in the intestinal tissue and compared them between children who did and didn't respond to an elimination diet. They also performed skin prick tests and measured IgE levels in blood.

The authors concluded that children with severe eczema show signs of immune system activity (IgE cells) in their intestines. While finding very few IgE-positive cells in the intestine might help identify children who won't respond to an elimination diet, finding many cells doesn't necessarily mean the diet will help.