Prevalence of eczema between cesarean-born and vaginal-born infants within 1year of age: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

About 28% of cesarean-born infants within 1year of age developed eczema, significantly higher than the 20% rate or occurrence seen in vaginal-born infants. CRD 42,020,152,437. • Eczema, a complex inflammatory cutaneous disorder characterized by immune mediated inflammation and epidermal barrier dysfunction, is one of the most common allergic disorders in infants. • Eczema may increase the risk of immune-mediated inflammatory disease such as food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, leading to psychological and social burdens on affected individuals and their families. • Mode of delivery may be associated with the risk of developing eczema, although further studies are needed to clarify such differences. • This is the first systematic review designed to estimate the prevalence of eczema in cesarean- and vaginal-born infants within 1 year of age. • Cesarean delivery may increase the risk of developing eczema in infants within the first year of life.