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Published on: September 27, 2017
Atopic dermatitis in premature and term children
B Kvenshagen1, M Jacobsen, R Halvorsen
1Department of Paediatrics, Oestfold Hospital Trust, 1603 Fredrikstad, Norway. bent-kv@online.no
Insights
The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children under two years old is 18.6%, with no significant differences observed between premature and term infants. Food allergies affect 15.8% of children with AD, regardless of birth status or delivery method.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric dermatology
- Allergy and immunology
- Neonatal care
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition in children.
- Premature birth and mode of delivery are potential risk factors for developing AD and food allergies.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of AD is crucial for early intervention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in premature versus term infants.
- To assess the frequency of food allergy in children diagnosed with AD.
- To investigate if the mode of delivery (cesarean section vs. vaginal delivery) influences AD prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A prospective follow-up study involving 609 children (193 premature, 416 term) over two years.
- Clinical assessment of AD symptoms using the SCORAD index and evaluation for food allergies.
- Diagnostic tests included skin prick tests, specific IgE measurements, elimination diets, and double-blind placebo-controlled challenges.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of AD at two years was 18.6% (19.9% in premature, 17.9% in term infants).
- Food allergy was present in 15.8% of children with AD, with similar rates in premature and term infants.
- AD prevalence was comparable between children delivered via cesarean section (17.5%) and vaginally (19.1%).
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of AD in the first two years of life is approximately 18.6%, not significantly differing between premature and term children.
- Food allergies occur in 15.8% of children with AD, with no significant difference based on prematurity.
- The mode of delivery does not appear to influence the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in early childhood.
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in premature compared with term children, the frequency of food allergy in children with AD, and the possible differences in prevalence of AD in children delivered by caesarean section compared with vaginally delivered children.
Design:
Prospective follow-up study over 2 years.
Method:
609 children (193 premature and 416 term) were included. At 2 years, 512 children (161 premature and 351 term) participated. Children with symptoms consistent with AD/possible food allergy were examined, and the dermatitis was evaluated according to the SCORAD index. Skin prick test, specific IgE, elimination/challenge and DBPC challenge were performed.
Results:
18.6% (95/512) of the children (19.9% (32/161) premature and 17.9% (63/351) term) had a diagnosis of AD. The prevalence of adverse reactions to food in all the children with AD was 15.8% (15/95) (similar in preterm and term children). AD was found in 17.5% (30/171) of children delivered by caesarean section, and 19.1% (65/341) delivered vaginally
Conclusions:
The prevalence of AD in the first 2 years of life was 18.6%, with no significant difference between preterm and term children. Adverse reactions to food were found in 15.8% (a similar prevalence in premature and term children). Mode of delivery did not affect prevalence of AD.
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