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Does early life exposure to antibiotics increase the risk of eczema? A systematic review

T Tsakok1, T M McKeever, L Yeo

  • 1Academic Clinical Fellow/Core Medical Trainee, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, U.K.

The British Journal of Dermatology
|June 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Early antibiotic exposure in the first year of life increases eczema risk in children. This systematic review found a 41% higher risk for postnatal antibiotic exposure, with a dose-response relationship observed.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Early life antibiotic exposure is a growing concern.
  • Studies suggest a link between antibiotics and eczema development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze observational studies.
  • To assess the impact of early life antibiotic exposure on eczema risk.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 observational studies.
  • Inclusion of children and young adults aged 0-25 years.
  • Analysis of prenatal and/or first-year postnatal antibiotic exposure.

Main Results:

  • Postnatal antibiotic exposure showed a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.41 (95% CI 1.30-1.53).
  • A significant dose-response was found: a 7% increased eczema risk per additional antibiotic course in the first year.
  • Antenatal exposure did not show a significant association (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.86-1.95).

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic exposure during the first year of life is associated with an increased risk of eczema.
  • Prenatal antibiotic exposure was not significantly linked to eczema development in this review.
  • Findings highlight the importance of judicious antibiotic use in early childhood.

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