Risk factors for atopic eczema in Colombia, a tropical country

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of atopic eczema (AE) in children/adolescents and adults and variables associated with risk factors.

We used data from a cross-sectional, population-based study performed in six cities of Colombia during 2009-2010. A nested case-control study was used to determine AE-associated risk factors.

In adults, AE was mainly associated with a family history of AE (adjusted OR [aOR] 4.66, 95%IC:3.18 to 6.82) and Allergic Rhinitis (AR) (aOR 2.21, 95%CI: 1.61 to 3.03). We also found a dose-dependent positive association between acetaminophen use and AE, being more assertive at once per week (aOR 2.12, 95%CI: 1.47 to 3.06) than once per month (aOR 1.82, 95%CI: 1.28 to 2.59). Female gender (aOR 1.49, 95%CI: 1.15 to 1.93), smoking (aOR 1.60, 95%CI: 1.19 to 2.14), and cats at home (aOR 1.57, 95%CI: 1.06 to 2.31), were positively associated with AE. In contrast, meat (aOR 0.45, 95%CI: 0.27 to 0.74), and seafood consumption (aOR 0.71, 95%CI: 0.56 to 0.91) were negatively associated. In children/adolescents, family history of AR (aOR 2.97, 95%CI: 1.79 to 4.93) and acetaminophen consumption once per week (aOR 4.00, 95%CI: 1.39 to 11.50) were associated with AE.

The most critical risk factors for AE were a family history of atopy and acetaminophen exposure, supporting an essential contribution of both genetic and environmental factors in disease presentation.