Prevalence Of Atopic Dermatitis Research Articles

Association of maternal constipation and risk of atopic dermatitis in offspring.

Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing dermatologic disease that can affect individuals of all ages, including children and adults. The prevalence of AD has increased dramatically over the past few decades. AD may affect children's daily activities, increase their parents' stress, and increase health expenditure. Constipation is a worldwide issue and may affect the gut microbiome. Some research has indicated that constipation might be associated with risk of atopic disease. The primary objective of this retrospective cohort study was to extend and to explore the link between maternal constipation and risk of atopic dermatitis in offspring. Methods: Using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, a subset of Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 138,553 mothers with constipation and 138,553 matched controls between 2005 and 2016. Propensity score analysis was used matching birth year, child's sex, birth weight, gestational weeks, mode of delivery, maternal comorbidities, and antibiotics usage, with a ratio of 1:1. Multiple Cox regression and subgroup analyses were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio of child AD. Results: The incidence of childhood AD was 66.17 per 1,000 person-years in constipated mothers. By adjusting child's sex, birth weight, gestational weeks, mode of delivery, maternal comorbidities, and received antibiotics, it was found that in children whose mother had constipation, there was a 1.26-fold risk of AD compared to the children of mothers without constipation (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.26; 95% CI, 1.25-1.28). According to subgroup analyses, children in the maternal constipation group had a higher likelihood of AD irrespective of child's sex, birth weight, gestational weeks, mode of delivery, and with or without comorbidities, as well as usage of antibiotics during pregnancy. Compared to the non-constipated mothers, the aHR for the constipated mothers with laxative prescriptions <12 and ≥12 times within one year before the index date were 1.26; 95% CI, 1.24 -1.28 and 1.40; 95% CI, 1.29-1.52, respectively. Conclusion: Maternal constipation was associated with an elevated risk of AD in offspring. Clinicians should be aware of the potential link to atopic dermatitis in the children of constipation in pregnant women and should treat gut patency issues during pregnancy. More study is needed to investigate the mechanisms of maternal constipation and atopic diseases in offspring.

Introduction.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing condition that is characterized by itching and redness of the skin. Our modern usage of atopic dermatitis dates back to 1933, when Wise and Sulzberger first coined the term to signify the disease's close association with other respiratory atopy, such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. A recent systematic review of 69 cross-sectional and cohort studies has confirmed that AD is now a worldwide phenomenon with lifetime AD prevalences of well over 20% in many affluent country settings. Although there is no obvious consistent overall global trend in the prevalence of AD, studies have shown that climate, urbanization, lifestyle, and socioeconomic class influence the prevalence of atopic dermatitis. Despite the pervasiveness of the disease, an understanding of atopic dermatitis has been hampered by a number of factors. Data suggests that extrinsic environmental factors work in concert with intrinsic immune mechanism and genetic factors to drive disease progression. With such a complex etiology, management of atopic dermatitis currently at best achieves symptomatic control rather than cure. This approach poses a significant burden on healthcare resources, as well as patients' quality of life. Current management methods of AD often involve a combination of non-pharmacologic modalities and prescription medications. Though they can be effective when employed, there are significant barriers to treatment for patients including time, costs, and medication side effects. Our aim, throughout this text, is to explore the complexities of AD, providing the healthcare provider with tips and tricks to improve patient care and satisfaction and the most current trends and treatment approaches on the horizon.

Association between Atopic Dermatitis and Cigarette Smoking Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent inflammatory skin conditions. AD symptoms include dry skin and an itchy rash, significantly reducing the quality of life. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of AD is 19.8% overall. The increased prevalence of AD in smokers raises the possibility that smoking is a risk factor and one of the biggest obstacles to global public health. Purpose: In Saudi Arabia, little is known about the connection between smoking and AD despite substantial studies being done worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether there is a connection between AD and smoking among Saudi Arabia’s general populace. Methods: A web-based descriptive cross-sectional study was done in Saudi Arabia. The minimal required sample was estimated to be 385 participants. The overall samples were collected to a maximum of 496 participants. Data were obtained through an online questionnaire directed to the Saudi population and were statistically analyzed using the SPSS program version 26. To determine the association between the variables, the Chi-squared test (χ2) was applied. Results: Four hundred and ninety-six participants satisfying the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. 22.6% were smokers. One hundred and thirty-two (26.6%) had been diagnosed with AD (eczema) by a doctor during the past year; 30 participants were smokers, 57 participants were secondhand smokers, and 31 participants had smoked an electronic cigarette. The prevalence of previous diagnoses with AD by a doctor during the past year was higher among females (P ≤ 0.05). Previous diagnosis of AD was not associated with other participants’ demographics, physical activity, body mass index, and participants’ smoking status (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Previous diagnosis of AD was not associated with participants’ smoking status.

Allergen Sensitization and Its Association With Allergic Diseases in the Korean Population: Results From the 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Allergen exposure is the most potent factor in allergen sensitization, which affects the exacerbation and severity of allergic diseases. Due to industrialization and climate change, the pattern of allergen sensitization has changed over time, and the incidence of allergic diseases has also increased. This study investigated the status of allergen sensitization in the Korean population and its effects on allergic diseases. A total of 2,386 participants aged ≥ 10 years, who underwent 7 specific immunoglobulin E tests for aeroallergens (Dermatophagoides farinae [Der f], dog dander, cat epithelium, birch, oak, Japanese hop, and ragweed), were selected among the participants of the 2019 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We compared the demographic characteristics, combined allergic diseases, and sinusitis symptoms between the atopic and non-atopic groups. The prevalence of allergen sensitization in the general Korean population was 45%, and Der f was the most frequent cause of sensitization (39.9%). The prevalence of sensitization to indoor allergens was highest among teenagers and those belonging to the 20- to 29-year age group (P < 0.001). In contrast, there was a high prevalence of sensitization to outdoor allergens among individuals belonging to the age group of 60-69 years. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (odds ratio [OR], 2.559; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.689-3.878), allergic rhinitis (OR, 3.075; 95% CI, 2.426-3.897), and otitis media (OR, 1.481; 95% CI, 1.092-2.007) significantly increased by allergen sensitization. Patients with allergen sensitization were more likely to experience the symptoms of rhinitis and sinusitis. The study findings confirmed that allergen sensitization occurs in approximately half of the general Korean population and affects the prevalence and symptoms of allergic diseases. This suggests that active allergy tests and diagnosis of allergic diseases are necessary in Koreans.

The Economic Impact of Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects over 30 million people in the United States. Given the large and growing prevalence of AD, the associated economic burden is significant. It has been estimated that AD costs over $5 billion dollars annually. These costs include both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include prescription medicines, visits to health-care providers, hospitalizations, and transportation. Indirect costs include missed days or lost productivity at work or school, career modification, and reduced quality of life. Understanding and measuring these costs can be accomplished through rigorous economic evaluation, which is the organized process of considering inputs and outcomes of various activities. Economic evaluation has been used to contextualize the burden of AD in society. It has also been used to inform patients, providers, and other stakeholders on how to deliver the most evidence-based, efficient way possible. Understanding the economic impact of atopic dermatitis is an important aspect of delivering high-quality care.

Exposure to biocides and its association with atopic dermatitis among children and adolescents: A population-based cross-sectional study in South Korea

BackgroundBiocides have emerged as a contributor to the rising cases of atopic dermatitis among children and adolescents. Previous animal studies suggested that phenols, parabens, and pyrethroid insecticides present in these products might play a role in atopic dermatitis. However, there's limited epidemiological evidence confirming the individual or combined effects of exposure to these chemicals on atopic dermatitis in young populations. This study aimed to investigate the association between phenol, paraben, and pyrethroid metabolite levels in urine and atopic dermatitis among Korean children and adolescents MethodsWe analyzed 556 preschool children (3–5 years), 701 schoolchildren (6–11 years), and 731 adolescents (12–17 years) enrolled in the 4th Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) (2018–2020). We used logistic regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression to evaluate the association between atopic dermatitis and individual or mixed exposure to urinary triclosan (TCS), parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben), and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) levels. ResultsUrinary TCS levels were positively associated with atopic dermatitis in schoolchildren. When stratified by sex, male schoolchildren exhibited an increasing prevalence of atopic dermatitis as their urinary TCS and 3-PBA levels increased. The combined effect of biocide mixtures on atopic dermatitis was also significantly increased in male schoolchildren, with TCS as the main contributor. ConclusionsThese study findings suggest that biocides at levels found in Korean children and adolescents affect atopic dermatitis.

Studi Retrospektif Pasien Dermatitis Atopik Selama 5 Tahun di Poliklinik Rawat Jalan Kulit dan Kelamin Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis is starting to grow rapidly not only in the population of industrialized countries but also in developing countries. Data on the prevalence of AD at RSUDP NTB was last reported in the 2013-2014 period, so data updates are needed to determine the characteristics of AD at Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Clinic at RSUDP NTB. This is a descriptive retrospective study by taking secondary data from medical records on AD patients for the period January 2017-December 2021 who came for treatment.The total number of new visits to DV outpatient clinic RSUDP NTB was 3120 patients. There were 78 new AD diagnosed patients, dominated by women (51,2%). The prevalence of AD between 2017-2021 is 2.5%. Most of patients is in pediatric age group (53,3%) and mostly live at rural area (56,4%) the most frequent comorbidity was scabies, namely 10 patients (12,8%). There was a decrease in the prevalence of AD compared to previous data. It is necessary to optimize medical records to determine trends in AD cases in patients visiting the DV Outpatient Clinic RSUDP NTB.

Risk Factors of Onset Time and Persistence of Atopic Dermatitis in Children Under Age 5 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is high among children, with development of AD occurring during early childhood in most affected children and some having a chronic disease course. Risk factors for AD in this group remain undefined. Objectives: We analyzed the medical records of children with AD under 5 years of age. We summarized characteristics of the natural course of AD in these children and explored relevant risk factors of AD in infancy and early childhood. Methods: Using a self-developed questionnaire, we investigated 716 children under 5 years of age who were treated for AD at the Dermatology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China. We conducted the study from October 2021 to September 2022 using telephone and on-site interviews with the children's parents. In parental interviews, data were gathered on neonatal diseases, comorbidities, parental allergy history, maternal history of tobacco and alcohol use, and basic infant information at birth. Some children were tested for serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) before this study. Results: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), neonatal infection, and infection during childhood had a significant impact on persistent symptoms and the onset of first symptoms in children with AD (P < 0.05). Allergic diseases as common comorbidities with AD, which had earlier onset of AD related to more obvious disease activity (P < 0.05). Parental history of allergy was also significant in AD (P < 0.05). Serum total iIgE levels in children with AD showed an impact on the clinical course of AD; neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and NRDS may affect IgE levels (P < 0.05). Persistent AD had a significant effect on the physical growth of children with height/length for age Z score ≤3 and weight for height/length Z score ≤3 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Early adverse events in infants, infection before onset, and susceptibility to infection may affect the onset and clinical course of childhood AD. Serum total IgE levels affect the progression of AD. Persistent AD in childhood may have a slight impact on children's physical growth.

Association of Sleep Duration and Weekend Catch-Up Sleep with Suicidal Ideation among Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent allergic disease in children that often causes sleep disturbance and which is associated with diminished quality of life and heightened susceptibility to depression and suicidality. In this study, we investigate the relationship between weekend catch-up sleep (WCUS) and mental health in a sample of 71,434 adolescents with AD and 221,057 without AD using multivariate logistic regression analysis. We hypothesized that adolescents with AD experience shorter total and daytime sleep due to pruritus, with compensatory longer WCUS. We found that the lifetime prevalence of AD was 24.4%, and that adolescents with AD slept less overall, with significantly shorter weekday and weekend sleep durations but longer weekend catch-up sleep (WCUS). Sleep dissatisfaction was markedly higher in the AD group. Interestingly, our results suggest that prolonged WCUS is a protective factor against suicidal ideation in adolescents with AD. The study highlights the importance of addressing sleep patterns in adolescents with AD to enhance mental health. Overall, our findings indicate a need for increased awareness and intervention strategies to ensure sufficient sleep and reduce the risk of suicidal ideation in this population.

Some Risk Factors of Atopic Dermatitis in Adults

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense itching and eczematous lesions. The onset of AD usually occurs in childhood and AD symptoms can last into adulthood. An increasing prevalence of AD has been observed worldwide. The causes of AD are multifactorial and there are still not many systematic reviews of AD-related risk factors. This study uses a literature review method. Literature search was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed. using keywords: atopic dermatitis, risk factors, adults, and observational studies. All literature was selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria to assess the suitability of the content and quality of the study. Patients with atopic dermatosis had a filaggrin mutation cause loss/change in the function of filaggrin (Filament Aggregating Protein). Risk factors for atopic dermatitis in adults include a history of atopy, food allergies, a history of atopy in the father or mother or both, history of AD in parents, having pets at home, younger age or early onset, being a former smoker, gender women and active smoking, as well as passive smokers, low education level (&lt;=12 years), socioeconomic status, and living in small places. Symptoms and clinical manifestations include pruritus, morphology and wide distribution of lesions, chronic and recurrent dermatitis, history of atopy and family history of atopy. Management of atopic dermatitis begins with education and skin care by taking regular baths and using emollients/moisturizers. Atopy and family history of atopy, smoking, low education, and socioeconomic are risk factors for AD in adults.

Changing Trends in School Absenteeism and Identification of Associated Factors in Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has a negative influence on school attendance. We aimed to identify factors associated with school absenteeism in adolescents with AD. We used data from the 3rd to 11th annual Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey completed from 2007 to 2015. Survey data were obtained from a stratified, multistage, clustered sample. Participants responded to the question "have you ever been diagnosed with AD?" Factors associated with AD-related school absenteeism (ADSA), which is defined as at least one school absence due to AD, were evaluated. Among the 141,899 subjects, the prevalence of AD increased (17.3% to 24.2%), while that of ADSA decreased (7.3% to 2.6%) from 2007 to 2015. Compared to adolescents without ADSA, those with ADSA were more likely to be male, middle school students, and have negative mental health states, including suicidality. In the multivariate logistic regression model, the association of sleep dissatisfaction and depression with ADSA was high (adjusted odds ratio, 6.12; 95% confidence intervals, 4.61-7.95; and 5.44; 5.23-5.67, respectively). The prevalence of ADSA has decreased despite an increase in the prevalence of AD in Korean adolescents; however, it is important for pediatricians to screen for factors associated with ADSA to improve school attendance in adolescents with AD.

The Effects of Smoking on the Severity of Atopic Dermatitis in Saudi Arabia.

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a well-known inflammatory skin disease that is associated with a family history of other atopic diseases. Tobacco smoking has been found to affect AD as well as several other inflammatory skin diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate this association and to elucidate the link between dose-dependent tobacco exposure and symptom severity. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals from the general population of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. All statistical analyses were performed using RStudio, version 1.1.363 (RStudio, PBC, Boston, Massachusetts, United States). Questions about the participants' age, sex, and occupational status were included. The participants were asked to report their daily handwashing habits and history of atopic diseases. Data on the smoking duration, number of cigarettes smoked per day, and passive exposure were collected. Results A total of 510 participants (41.3 %) reported having AD. Smoking was significantly associated with an increased prevalence of AD. The odds of having AD were 1.78 and 2.27 times higher in occasional smokers (odds ratio (OR) = 1.78, p < 0.05) and daily smokers (OR = 2.27, p < 0.001) than in non-smokers. Neither smoking frequency (p = 0.19) nor duration (p = 0.73) was significantly associated with AD prevalence. Conclusion Smoking is significantly associated with an increased prevalence of AD. Adults should be discouraged from smoking in order to prevent adult-onset AD. The level of nicotine exposure should be measured objectively in future studies.

P39 Machine Learning to Identify Atopic Dermatitis Prevalence Using Healthcare Utilisation Patterns of Both Diagnosed and Non-Diagnosed AD Patients Based on Danish Register Data

P39 Machine Learning to Identify Atopic Dermatitis Prevalence Using Healthcare Utilisation Patterns of Both Diagnosed and Non-Diagnosed AD Patients Based on Danish Register Data

Lower socioeconomic status may help explain racial disparities in asthma and atopic dermatitis prevalence: A mediation analysis

Racial disparities in atopic disease (atopic dermatitis [AD], asthma, and allergies) prevalence are well documented. Despite strong associations between race and socioeconomic deprivation in the United States, and socioeconomic status (SES) and atopic diseases, the extent to which SES explains these disparities is not fully understood. We sought to identify racial disparities in childhood atopic disease prevalence and determine what proportion of those disparities is mediated by SES. This study used the National Health Interview Survey (2011-2018) to investigate AD, asthma, and respiratory allergy prevalence in Black and White children and the extent to which measures of SES explain any identified disparities. By race, prevalences were as follows: AD, White 11.8% (95% CI: 11.4%, 12.2%) and Black 17.4% (95% CI: 16.6%, 18.3%); asthma prevalence, White 7.4% (95% CI: 7.0%, 7.7%) and Black 14.3% (95% CI: 13.5%, 15.0%); respiratory allergy, White 11.4% (95% CI: 11.0%, 11.9%) and Black 10.9% (95% CI: 10.3%, 11.6%). The percentage of the disparity between racial groups and disease prevalence explained by a multivariable measure of SES was 25% (95% CI: 15%, 36%) for Black versus White children with AD and 47% (95% CI: 40%, 54%) for Black versus White children with asthma. In a nationally representative US population, Black children had higher prevalence of AD and asthma than White children did and similar prevalence of respiratory allergy; a multivariable SES measure explained a proportion of the association between Black versus White race and AD and a much larger proportion for asthma.

ATOPIC DERMATITIS: CURRENT STATE OF THE PROBLEM IN UKRAINE AND THE WORLD

Introduction. Social and environmental disasters in recent years have induced an increase in morbidity, which poses a threat to the health and life of the population not only in Ukraine but also in the world. Among the most common skin diseases is atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic recurrent disease characterized by skin inflammation, disruption of the epidermal barrier, and, as a result, a decrease in the skin's ability to retain moisture. Today general practitioners are usually the first to encounter this pathology, and they must assess self level of competence in a particular case and provide the necessary medical care or justify a referral to a dermatologist.&#x0D; The aim. To carry out an analytical review of domestic and foreign literature on the problem of atopic dermatitis (AD), methods of diagnosis and personalized approach to the treatment of this disease and to substantiate further directions of necessary scientific research to improve appropriate medical care.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A search, synthesis and analysis of world and national scientific publications on a personalized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis were conducted. A systematic approach, bibliosemantic method and method of structural and logical analysis were applied.&#x0D; Results and discussion. AD occurs with a frequency of up to 20% among children and up to 10% among adults in European countries. In Ukraine, as of 2020, the prevalence of AD among the pediatric population ranges from 9.0 to 28.5%.&#x0D; The study of the complex pathogenesis of the disease, where genetic factors, immune dysregulation and epidermal barrier disorders play a key role, has allowed scientists to identify endotypes and phenotypes of AD, which has become an important step in the development of personalized therapy for patients with AD. It was biological drugs (blockers of IL-4 and IL-13 and JK-inhibitors) that made a breakthrough in the treatment of severe AD. Another promising direction in the treatment of AD is the use of probiotics, as it is known that in patients with AD there is a decrease in the number of commensal bacterial skin flora and colonization of the skin with S. aureus.&#x0D; Conclusions. Thus, the incidence of atopic dermatitis, which is characterized by a complex etiopathogenesis, is increasing every year in the population of Ukraine and the world. The medical and social significance of AD opens up new challenges for the search for new approaches to the management of patients with AD. In recent years, biologic therapies have been actively introduced into medical practice, opening up new opportunities for personalized management of patients with severe forms of AD. As for the treatment of mild and moderate forms of AD, the issue is still relevant, given the problem of corticophobia in society. That is why at this stage, attention to the treatment and prevention approach should be more focused, and treatment methods with high efficacy and low side effect profile should be a priority. The literature review revealed that the problem remains relevant, despite the large number of studies on the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of AD, which substantiates promising areas for the development and application of methods of modern effective personalized treatment of AD.

Efficacy of treating allergic dermatoses with the original drug of topical mometasone furoate in standard clinical practice

Skin allergic dermatoses represent a significant issue and account for one of the commonest causes for patients seeking consultations with dermatologists. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in the general population reaches 10 % among adults and 20 % among children. Despite the significant deepening of our understanding of the complex pathogenesis of allergic dermatoses and the establi­shing role of many genetic and epigenetic factors in provoking exacerbations of AD or predisposition to the development of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), topical corticosteroids remain the cornerstone treatment for flare­ups of these disorders.We investigated the effectiveness of the mometasone furoate 0.1 % topical cream (Elocom®) for the treatment of patients with allergic dermatoses. The study included 20 patients whose participation was determined based on clinical anamnesis and examination, diagnosed with AD (n = 13) and ACD (n = 7). The duration of treatment was from 7 to 30 days. During the study, all the 20 patients (100 %) noted a significant improvement in the skin condition, 18 (90 %) — improvement during the first days of treatment. Throughout the study, none of the patients experienced side effects linked to the use of the medication. The average value of the Dermatology Life Quality Index among patients before the start of treatment was (13.0 ± 6.83) points, after treatment — (4.8 ± 3.56) points. A decrease in the Index by an average of 8.2 points indicates a significant improvement in the patients’ quality of life. The obtained results demonstrate the high effectiveness of topical mometasone furoate in the treatment of patients with allergic dermatoses. Since these results were obtained in the process of observational research, they have significant practical value.Thus Elokom®, a topical mometasone furoate preparation, is advisable for the treatment of allergic dermatoses in routine clinical practice.

Physician practices and attitudes towards atopic dermatitis in Latin America: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is increasing in developing countries. Different worldwide guidelines have been proposed, but their applicability for AD specialists in Latin American (LA) countries is unknown. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore the medical approach to treating AD in LA countries. MethodsThe study population comprised AD specialists (allergists and dermatologists). They completed an electronic survey containing questions about the health system, diagnostic criteria, and pharmacotherapy approach to treating AD. The survey was constructed and validated by the Atopic Dermatitis Committee of the Latin American Society of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (SLAAI) in Spanish and Portuguese. Each member was responsible for distributing the questionnaire through different networks in their respective countries. ResultsA total of 284 AD specialists from 13 LA countries completed the questionnaire; among them, 67% were allergists and 33% were dermatologists. Less than 50% of the AD specialists strictly followed guideline recommendations. Among the AD specialists, the European and North American guidelines were more frequently used, and only 16% followed LA guidelines. Dermatologists used the local guidelines less frequently than allergists. Most physicians did not routinely use AD assessment tools (55%). The frequency of the diagnostic tests depends on symptom severity. The availability of some systemic treatments, such as biologics and Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, is not universal in all LA countries. ConclusionThere were marked differences between the specialists, and these differences seemed to be affected by their specialty and each country's healthcare system. New AD education strategies that consider the particularities of the region could allow patients to be more accurately managed. AD assessment tools may provide a way to enhance AD treatment and allow for shared decision-making, patient empowerment, and standardized care.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on adults and children with atopic dermatitis and food allergy: Systematic review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant disruptions to health care services and health impacts on patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and/or food allergy (FA). We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and disease on AD/FA patients. A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted from December 2019 to 2022. Screening and data extraction were done following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, or MMAT, was used to assess risk of bias. In total, 159 studies were included. Five of 7 studies reported no significant changes in overall incidence or prevalence of AD during the pandemic, although some studies noted an increase in the elderly and infants. Telehealth served as an effective alternative to face-to-face consultations, with mixed levels of patient and provider satisfaction. Dissatisfaction was most marked in patients with more severe disease, who thought that their disease was inadequately managed through telemedicine. Higher levels of general anxiety were recorded in both AD/FA patients and caregivers, and it was more pronounced in patients with severe disease. Most studies reported no significant differences in postvaccination adverse effects in AD patients; however, results were more varied in FA patients. Our review identified the impact of COVID-19 pandemic- and disease-driven changes on AD/FA patients. Telemedicine is uniquely suited to manage atopic diseases, and hybrid care may be a suitable approach even in the postpandemic era. COVID-19 vaccines and biologics can be safely administered to patients with atopic diseases, with appropriate patient education to ensure continued care for high-risk patients.

Indoor particulate matter induces epigenetic changes in companion atopic dogs

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is increasing and environmental factors are receiving attention as contributing causes. Indoor air pollutants (IAPs), especially particulate matter (PM) can alter epigenetic markers, DNA methylation (DNAm). Although DNAm-mediated epigenetic changes have been reported to modulate the pathogenesis of AD, their role at high risk of exposure to PM is still unclear. The study investigated the effects of exposure to IAPs in the development of AD and epigenetic changes through DNAm in companion atopic dogs that share indoor environment with their owners. Dogs were divided into two groups: AD (n = 47) and controls (n = 21). The IAPs concentration in each household was measured for 48 h, and a questionnaire on the residential environment was completed in all dogs. Eighteen dogs with AD and 12 healthy dogs were selected for DNAm analysis. In addition, clinical and immunological evaluations were conducted. The concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were significantly higher in the AD group. Moreover, there were more significant methylation differences in the LDLRAD4, KHSRP, and CTDSP2 genes in connection with PM10 in AD group compared to the controls. The degree of methylation of the LDLRAD4 and CTDSP2 genes was also correlated with related protein productions. The present study revealed that exposure to high indoor PM can cause epigenetic development of AD by methylation of the LDLRAD4, KHSRP, and CTDSP2 genes in dogs. Under the concept of "One Health," improving indoor environments should be considered to prevent the development of AD.

Decreasing prevalence of atopic dermatitis in Swedish schoolchildren: three repeated population-based surveys.

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has increased over several decades and now affects about one-fifth of all children in high-income countries (HICs). While the increase continues in lower-income countries, the prevalence of AD might have reached a plateau in HICs. To investigate trends in the prevalence of AD and atopic comorbidity in schoolchildren in Sweden. The study population consisted of three cohorts of children (median age 8 years) in Norrbotten, Sweden, for 1996 (n = 3430), 2006 (n = 2585) and 2017 (n = 2785). An identical questionnaire that included questions from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol was used in all three cohorts. Trends in AD prevalence were estimated, as well as trends in atopic comorbidity. AD prevalence was estimated both according to the ISAAC definition of AD and by adding the reported diagnosis by a physician (D-AD). The prevalence of AD decreased in the last decade, from 22.8% (1996) and 21.3% (2006) to 16.3% (2017; P < 0.001). The prevalence of D-AD was lower, but the same pattern of decrease was seen, from 9.3% (1996) and 9.4% (2006) to 5.7% (2017; P < 0.001). In all three cohorts, AD was more common among girls than boys (18.9% vs. 13.8% in 2017; P < 0.001). Children from the mountain inlands had a higher prevalence of AD than children from coastal cities (22.0% vs. 15.1% in 2017; P < 0.001). In comparing D-AD, there were no significant differences between the sexes or between inland or coastal living. Concomitant asthma increased over the years from 12.2% (1996) to 15.8% (2006) to 23.0% (2017; P < 0.001). Concomitant allergic rhinitis and allergic sensitization increased from 1996 (15.0% and 27.5%) to 2006 (24.7% and 49.5%) but then levelled off until 2017 (21.0% and 46.7%). The prevalence of AD among schoolchildren in Sweden decreased over the study period, whereas atopic comorbidity among children with AD increased. Although a decrease was seen, AD is still common and the increase in atopic comorbidity among children with AD, especially the increase in asthma, is concerning.