Lifetime Atopic Dermatitis is Associated With Risk of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: Evidence From a Nationwide Study

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) are increasingly recognized as potentially related conditions.
• Understanding the association between AD and AITD risk is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between atopic dermatitis and the risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease in the Korean adult population.
• To identify specific age groups where this association may be more pronounced.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 5,410 Korean adults (aged ≥ 19) from the 2013-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
• Categorized participants into thyroid dysfunction and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO Ab)-positive groups as markers for AITD risk.
• Employed multivariable logistic regression and age-stratified analyses to determine adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Main Results:

• Overall, individuals with AD showed a tendency towards higher rates of thyroid dysfunction and anti-TPO Ab positivity, but these did not reach statistical significance in the general adult population.
• A statistically significant association was observed between AD and thyroid dysfunction in young adults (aged 19-39 years) (aOR, 5.86).
• A marginally significant association between AD and anti-TPO Ab positivity was also noted in young adults (aOR, 2.05; P=0.08), while no significant associations were found in older adults (≥ 40 years).

Conclusions:

• The study suggests a potential relationship between atopic dermatitis and an increased risk of autoimmune thyroid disease, particularly in young adults.
• These findings underscore the importance of considering comorbid thyroid disease screening in young adults diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms connecting AD and AITD.