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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
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Association Between Atopic Dermatitis and Height, Body Mass Index, and Weight in Children

Mathew N Nicholas1, Charles D G Keown-Stoneman2,3, Jonathon L Maguire2,4,5,6

  • 1Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

JAMA Dermatology
|November 17, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) had slightly shorter stature and higher BMI in early childhood. These growth differences were small and resolved by adolescence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Dermatology
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common childhood condition.
  • Previous studies on AD's impact on child growth are limited.
  • The association between AD and anthropometric measures needs further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the longitudinal associations between atopic dermatitis and height, BMI, and weight in children.
  • To understand how these associations change throughout childhood and adolescence.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective longitudinal cohort study (TARGet Kids!) from 2008-2021.
  • Included 10,611 children aged 5 or younger, followed into adolescence.
  • Used linear mixed-effects models to analyze parental-reported atopic dermatitis and growth outcomes (z scores).

Main Results:

  • Atopic dermatitis was linked to lower length-for-age z scores (-0.13) and lower weight-for-age z scores (-0.07).
  • A higher BMI-for-age z score (0.05) was also associated with atopic dermatitis.
  • Associations diminished with age, with height and BMI differences resolving by adolescence.

Conclusions:

  • Atopic dermatitis is associated with minor deviations in growth (shorter stature, higher BMI) in early childhood.
  • These growth effects are generally small and temporary, attenuating with age.
  • Findings suggest AD's impact on growth is not a major long-term concern for most children.
Abstract

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