Poor agreement in questionnaire-based diagnostic criteria for adult atopic dermatitis is a challenge when examining

Y M F Andersen1,2,3, A Egeberg1,2, C R Hamann1,2,3

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark.

Allergy
|November 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study explored the link between atopic dermatitis (AD) and cardio-metabolic risks in adults. Different diagnostic criteria yielded varied results, highlighting the need for better definitions in epidemiological studies.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Dermatology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • The association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and cardio-metabolic risk factors remains unclear.
  • Currently, no validated questionnaire-based method exists to identify adults with AD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate cardio-metabolic risk in adults with a history of AD.
  • To compare three distinct questionnaire-based diagnostic criteria for identifying AD in adults.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from a general population study of 9656 Danish adults.
  • Employed self-reported physician-diagnosed AD and two versions of the UK Working Party Diagnostic Criteria.
  • Applied survey-weighted logistic and linear regression to assess associations between AD status and cardio-metabolic endpoints.

Main Results:

  • Identified varying prevalence of AD based on diagnostic criteria (4.8% self-reported physician-diagnosed, 9.4% UK 2/4, 2.3% UK 3/4).
  • Observed heterogeneity in cardio-metabolic risk factors across different AD diagnostic groups, including obesity prevalence.
  • Populations identified by different criteria were not comparable regarding cardio-metabolic risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • No definitive conclusions on cardio-metabolic risk in adults with AD could be drawn due to population heterogeneity and lack of a gold standard.
  • The study underscores challenges in questionnaire-based epidemiological research for AD.
  • Highlights the critical need for improved definitions and diagnostic standards for atopic dermatitis in population studies.
Abstract

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