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Prevalence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in pediatric allergic rhinitis: a nationwide population-based
Ming-Chin Tsai1, Heng-Kuei Lin, Ching-Heng Lin
1Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan.
Insights
Pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) show a significantly higher prevalence and risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Early ADHD evaluation is recommended for children diagnosed with AR to ensure comprehensive care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Child Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common pediatric condition impacting daily activities and sleep.
- Symptoms of AR, such as inattention and hyperactivity, overlap with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Existing research on the AR-ADHD link presents conflicting findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and risk of ADHD in pediatric patients diagnosed with AR.
- To analyze the association between AR and ADHD using a nationwide population-based dataset.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database for data from 226,550 pediatric patients (<18 years).
- Analyzed data from January 1 to December 31, 2005.
- Employed multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for ADHD.
Main Results:
- The period prevalence of atopy and ADHD in pediatric patients was 15.35% and 0.6%, respectively.
- Pediatric AR patients exhibited a significantly increased prevalence and odds ratio for ADHD (p < 0.001).
- This association persisted across diverse demographic groups and was not significantly influenced by comorbid atopic dermatitis or asthma.
Conclusions:
- Children with allergic rhinitis demonstrate a notably higher rate of ADHD.
- Healthcare providers should consider ADHD screening for pediatric patients diagnosed with AR.
- This finding supports the need for integrated management of AR and ADHD in children.
Abstract:
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common chronic condition in pediatric populations. Characteristic symptoms in AR may bother daily activities and disturb sleep, leading to daytime inattention, irritability, and hyperactivity, which are also components of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Conflicting data exist in the literature regarding the relationship between ADHD and AR. The aim of this nationwide population-based study was to examine the prevalence and risk of ADHD among AR patients in a pediatric group. Data from a total of 226,550 pediatric patients <18 years old were collected from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database from January 1 to December 31, 2005 and analyzed. We calculated the prevalence of allergic diseases based on various demographic variables, as well as in ADHD patients. We also used multivariable logistic regression to analyze the risk factors of ADHD. In 2005, the period prevalence rates of atopy and ADHD in patients <18 years of age were 15.35 and 0.6%, respectively. Pediatric patients with AR had a substantially increased rate of ADHD (p < 0.001) in terms of period prevalence and odds ratio. This significance existed across various demographic groups regardless of age, gender, area, or degree of urbanization. Neither comorbidity of atopic dermatitis nor bronchial asthma carried high risk for ADHD in AR patients. The present study revealed an increased rate of ADHD among AR patients. Therefore, evaluation of ADHD is advised for treatment of AR children.
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