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'Barrier dysfunction in Atopic newBorns studY' (BABY): protocol of a Danish prospective birth cohort study
Trine Gerner1,2, Anne-Sofie Halling1,2, Maria Rasmussen Rinnov1,2
1Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark.
Insights
This study investigates skin barrier development in preterm and term newborns to understand risks for atopic dermatitis (AD). Findings will inform early interventions for infant eczema.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal dermatology
- Pediatric immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Skin barrier dysfunction is a key factor in atopic dermatitis (AD) development, particularly in newborns.
- Understanding differences in skin barrier maturation between preterm and term infants is crucial for predicting AD risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate skin barrier development and dysfunction in preterm and term newborns.
- To identify risk factors for atopic dermatitis (AD) in early childhood.
- To establish a comprehensive birth cohort for studying infant skin health.
Main Methods:
- Prospective birth cohort study (BABY Cohort) including 150 preterm and 300 term infants.
- Skin barrier assessment using transepidermal water loss, tape stripping, Raman spectroscopy, and microbiome analysis.
- Clinical examinations, genetic analysis (buccal swabs), thymus size assessment, and structured interviews for exposure and AD diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Data collection on skin barrier function, genetics, and clinical outcomes is ongoing.
- Analysis will correlate skin barrier parameters and genetic factors with AD onset and severity.
- Longitudinal data will elucidate the role of early-life exposures in AD pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- The BABY Cohort study will provide critical insights into neonatal skin barrier function and its relationship with atopic dermatitis.
- Findings are expected to inform novel strategies for prevention and management of infant eczema.
- This research will contribute to a better understanding of the interplay between genetics, environment, and skin health in early life.
Introduction:
Skin barrier development and dysfunction in premature and mature newborns is important for the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD).
Methods And Analysis:
The Barrier dysfunction in Atopic newBorns studY (BABY) Cohort is a prospective birth cohort study of 150 preterm children (gestational age (GA) below 37+0) and 300 term children (GA 37+0 to 41+6). Skin barrier is assessed through transepidermal water loss, tape stripping, Raman-spectroscopy and microbiome sampling. Clinical examinations are done and DNA from buccal swabs is collected for genetic analyses. Thymus size is assessed by ultrasound examination. Information on pregnancy, delivery, parental exposures and diseases are collected, and structured telephone interviews are conducted at 18 and 24 months to assess exogenous exposures in the child and onset of AD. Hanifin and Rajka criteria as well as The UK Working Party's Diagnostic Criteria for Atopic Dermatitis are used to diagnose AD. Severity of AD is assessed using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM).
Ethics And Dissemination:
The study is approved by the scientific Ethical Committee of the Capital Region (H-16042289 and H-16042294).Outcomes will be presented at national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed publications.
