Abstract
Recent literature has highlighted the possible role of vitamin D in atopic dermatitis (AD), and that vitamin D supplementation might help to treat AD. This study determined the relationship between vitamin D level and AD, and assessed the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases up to May 2015. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials were included based on the available data on the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level and quantified data available for severity assessed using the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index or Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score. Compared with healthy controls, the serum 25(OH)D level was lower in the AD patients of all ages (standardized mean difference = −2.03 ng/mL; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −2.52 to −0.78), and predominantly in the pediatric AD patients (standardized mean difference = −3.03 ng/mL; 95% CI = −4.76 to −1.29). In addition, the SCORAD index and EASI score decreased after vitamin D supplementation (standardized mean difference = −5.85; 95% CI = −7.66 to −4.05). This meta-analysis showed that serum vitamin D level was lower in the AD patients and vitamin D supplementation could be a new therapeutic option for AD.
Highlights
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common and recurring chronic inflammatory disease characterized by pruritus and eczema
Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index was significantly lower in the vitamin D supplement group and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI)
This meta-analysis showed that SCORAD index and EASI score were decreased after vitamin D
Summary
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common and recurring chronic inflammatory disease characterized by pruritus and eczema. It is commonly associated with hypersensitivity to allergens, more frequently with allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and asthma [1]. It reportedly affects 5%–20% of children and 1%–3% adults worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing in industrialized countries [2]. The traditional therapeutic options for AD are antihistamine and immune modulatory agents, including topical/oral corticosteroids and topical/oral calcineurin inhibitors. These classic treatments are focused on reducing skin inflammation [4], but their potential side effects and poor patient adherence indicate the importance of finding new therapeutic options. Only two studies were reviewed, and owing to their low quality, the review could not produce conclusive evidence for the efficacy of vitamin D supplements in AD treatment
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