Prevalencia de dermatitis atópica en lactantes y preescolares de Santiago, Chile, 2007

Abstract

Introduction atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic dermatosis that affects 10–20% of the population. The prevalence of AD in Chile is unknown. Objectives 1. To determine prevalence and 2. Severity of AD, 3. Correlation among diagnostic criteria and 4. Determine major and minor criteria in Chilean children. Methodology Random sample of 200 children, both sexes, 0–4 years-old, who attend 20 nursing care clinics in northern Santiago, were included. In order to assess diagnostic features, a complete history and physical examination was performed. Visible dermatitis (V), Hanifin and Rajka (HR), United Kingdom (UK) and Honeyman′s (H) diagnostic criteria for AD were used. Results Prevalence of AD was 10%, 4%, 3.3% and 2.5% with V, H, HR and UK criteria, respectively. 90% of children had light or mild AD. SCORAD mean of 21.9. A stronger association between HR and H criteria was found (kappa 0.55; CI 95% 0.23–0.86; p-value 0,000). MAJ: 8% history of itching; 11.8% with personal history of atopy/asthma; 9% with history of flexural involvement; 5.5% with generally dry skin. 16.4% had MIN present. Conclusions Prevalence and severity of AD using V criterion was similar to the internationally reported, but lower when using the other three diagnostic criteria. HR and H criteria had the stronger association to identify AD in Chilean children. Prevalence of major and minor diagnostic criteria was lower than the international reports. This is a first study that evaluates AD Prevalence using different criteria in young children conducted in Chile.