The role of various platelet markers was investigated in 34 atopic dermatitis (AD) patients and compared with 16 healthy controls. The markers were platelet-derived microparticles (PDMP); soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4). The relationship between these markers and the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index (SCORAD), eosinophilia, serum IgE and serum lactate dehydrogenase was investigated. Plasma levels of PDMP, sP-selectin, BTG and PF4 were significantly increased in AD patients versus controls. Plasma levels of sP-selectin and PDMP correlated with the SCORAD index. The latter 2 markers may be useful as a proxy measure of AD severity (Tamagawa-Mineoka, R. et al. 5th Int Symp Atopic Dermat (May 11-13,Kyoto) 2008. Abst 120C). --> -->