Atopic dermatitis in childhood and pubertal development: A nationwide cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) might delay puberty, but research is lacking. ObjectiveTo investigate the association between AD and puberty. MethodsA sub-cohort within the Danish National Birth Cohort includes children born between 2000-2003, with mothers reporting doctor-diagnosed AD at 6 months, 18 months, and 7 years old. The National Patient Registry identified hospital-diagnosed AD. From 11 years, the children give half-yearly information on pubertal development. We estimated the mean age difference in months at attaining Tanner stages 1–5 and the development of axillary hair, acne, first ejaculation, voice break, and age at menarche, using an interval-censored regression model. ResultsIn total, 15,534 children participated, 21.5% had self-reported doctor-diagnosed AD and 0.7% had hospital-diagnosed AD. For girls with self-reported doctor-diagnosed AD, the average age difference at reaching all pubertal milestones was 0.0 months (95% CI: -0.8; 0.8), and for hospital-diagnosed AD, it was -0.3 months (95% CI: -5.4; 4.8). For boys, the average age difference was 0.1 months (95% CI: -0.6; 0.9), and -0.3 months (95% CI: -3.6; 3.0), respectively. LimitationsNo information on treatment was available. Missing data on covariates (<5%) was not addressed. ConclusionNo association was found between AD and puberty in either girls or boys.