Investigating international time trends in the incidence and prevalence of atopic eczema 1990-2010: a systematic review of epidemiological studies

Skin provocation tests may help to diagnose atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disorder. Its diagnosis relies on clinical judgment. Mild and untypical manifestations may cause diagnostic difficulties. Biomarkers for the differential diagnostic workup of AD are needed.

OBJECTIVE

To test whether the results of skin provocation with cowhage, an established model of histamine-independent pruritus, and histamine are different in AD patients and healthy subjects and whether these tests may be used as diagnostic markers of AD.

METHODS

Twenty-two AD patients and 18 healthy controls were subjected to topical cowhage provocation and skin prick testing with histamine and assessed for differences in the quality, intensity, and persistence of itch, for wheal diameter, volume, and flare size and intensity.

RESULTS

Patients with AD, compared with healthy controls, exhibited significantly smaller histamine-induced flares (P < 0.01) and markedly longer itch persistence after provocation with cowhage (P < 0.01). Both parameters showed good diagnostic properties for AD (area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve 0.78 and 0.80, respectively). The persistence of cowhage-induced itch for at least 30 min and a histamine-induced flare of less than 2 cm in diameter were reliable thresholds for the diagnosis of AD. If combinations of the results of both tests were used, their sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing AD were up to 91% and 94%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The clinical benefit of cowhage and histamine skin provocation tests should be investigated in further studies. Long persistence of cowhage-induced itch and diminished histamine-induced flare in nonlesional skin may support diagnosis of AD.

Prevalence and Clinical Features of Atopic Dermatitis in China

Background. The epidemiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Chinese outpatients is yet to be clarified. Objectives. To investigate population-based prevalence and clinical features of AD in Chinese outpatients. Methods. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatients with eczema or dermatitis from 39 tertiary hospitals in 15 provinces. Results. This study included 682 patients diagnosed with AD, with the mean age of 28.8 ± 20.1 years and the median course of 5.3 ± 6.9 years. AD patients had more severe itching (30.4% versus 13.8%, p < 0.001) and clinically suspected bacterial infection (21.7% versus 16.1%, p < 0.001) than those of other types of dermatitis. Older patients were more susceptible to have a history of flexion dermatitis (p < 0.001), bacterial infection (p = 0.005), and severe itching (p < 0.001). Outpatients with clinically suspected bacterial infection had 3.53-fold increased risk of AD than those without it (p < 0.001). The morbidity rate of AD in the (20-25°N) region is 2.86 times higher than that in the (40-45°N) region [OR (95% CI): 0.352 (0.241-0.514), p < 0.001]. Conclusions. AD is characterized by unique clinical/demographic features. Bacterial infection and latitude region may have an impact on the incidence of AD in China.

Household environment, lifestyle behaviors, and dietary habits in relation to childhood atopic eczema in Shanghai, China

PURPOSES

We aim to investigate associations of the child's individual characteristics, building characteristics, home environmental exposures, family lifestyle behaviors, and dietary habits on childhood eczema during lifetime-ever and in the last year before the survey.

METHODS

During April 2011-April 2012, we conducted a cross-sectional study and collected 13,335 parents-reported questionnaires of 4-6-year-old children from 72 kindergartens in Shanghai, China. Logistic regression model was used to investigate associations.

RESULTS

After adjusted for sex, age, family history of atopy, and questionnaire reporter, the factors which were strongly associated (increased odds >30% and p value <0.05) with lifetime-ever eczema included mother employed during pregnancy (adjusted OR 1.33), residence renovated during pregnancy (1.49) and in the child's first year of life (1.31), using laminate (1.58) and solid (1.42) wood as material of floor covering (compared to using cement), residence located in urban district (1.38), and dampness-related exposures in the early residence (mold spots/stains: 1.41; mold odor: 1.41) and in the current residence (water damage: 1.33; damp stains: 1.34; mold spots: 1.32; and windows pane condensation: 1.31). Parental smoking, pet-keeping, and incense-burning had no significant associations with childhood eczema. Similar associations were found for eczema in the last year before the survey. Families with sick children likely changed lifestyle behaviors and dietary habits.

CONCLUSIONS

Childhood eczema could be influenced by many household environmental and non-environmental factors. Exposures during early lifetime likely have greater impact on childhood eczema than current exposures. Associations of lifestyle behaviors and dietary habits with childhood eczema could be modified by family avoidance behaviors.

Review of Systemic Treatment Options for Adult Atopic Dermatitis

Background:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic inflammatory skin disease resulting from defects in skin barrier and aberrant immune responses. AD significantly affects the quality of life. Not all patients respond to topical therapies, and often systemic therapy is required to control the disease.

Objective:

To review the treatment options for adult AD patients including those options for patients who do not respond adequately or have contraindications to oral systemic therapy.

Methods:

A working group of clinicians with experience managing AD was convened to review the current literature on treatment options for adult AD patients. This review is based on the best available evidence from a published systematic review and an additional literature search.

Results:

Current treatments for AD are reviewed, including options for adult AD patients who do not respond or have contraindications to current systemic therapies. A new approach with targeted therapies is reviewed based on best available evidence.

Conclusion:

Many AD patients respond satisfactorily to topical or systemic treatments, but for those patients who do not respond or have contraindications, new biologic agents appear to be promising therapies.

Association of atopic dermatitis with smoking: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Tobacco exposure might be a modifiable risk factor for atopic dermatitis (AD).

OBJECTIVE

We examine the association between AD and exposure to tobacco smoke.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (n = 86) in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library (1823-2015). Quality of evidence was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR). Subset analyses were performed for different ages (children, adult), regions, study designs (cross-sectional, longitudinal), study sizes (<5000, ≥5000), study quality (NOS score <6, ≥6), and amount of smoking (mild, extensive).

RESULTS

A diagnosis of AD was associated with higher odds of active smoking (OR 1.87, 95% confidence interval 1.32-2.63) and exposure to passive smoke (OR 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.38), but not maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR 1.06, 95% confidence interval 0.80-1.40). The association between active smoking and AD remained significant in children and adults, all continents studied, and study sizes, but all were cross-sectional designs and had NOS score 6 or greater. Passive smoke was associated with AD in children and adults, cross-sectional studies, South/Central American and African studies, study size less than 5000, and NOS score less than 6.

LIMITATIONS

AD severity and distribution were not assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

Active and passive exposure to smoke are associated with increased AD prevalence.

Environmental risk factors and their role in the management of atopic dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

The etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is multifactorial with interaction between genetics, immune and environmental factors. Areas covered: We review the role of prenatal exposures, irritants and pruritogens, pathogens, climate factors, including temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, outdoor and indoor air pollutants, tobacco smoke exposure, water hardness, urban vs. rural living, diet, breastfeeding, probiotics and prebiotics on AD. Expert commentary: The increased global prevalence of AD cannot be attributed to genetics alone, suggesting that evolving environmental exposures may trigger and/or flare disease in predisposed individuals. There is a complex interplay between different environmental factors, including individual use of personal care products and exposure to climate, pollution, food and other exogenous factors. Understanding these complex risk factors is crucial to developing targeted interventions to prevent the disease in millions. Moreover, patients require counseling on optimal regimens for minimization of exposure to irritants and pruritogens and other harmful exposures.

Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis in Chinese Children aged 1-7 ys

Prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is increasing worldwide. Up to date, there has been no face-to-face nation-wide study in China. We aim to explore the prevalence of clinical diagnosed AD in children aged 1-7 ys in China. Twelve metropolises were chosen from different areas of China. In each region, we selected 4-10 kindergartens and 2-5 vaccination clinics randomly. A complete history-taking and skin examination were performed by dermatologists. The definite diagnosis of AD and the severity were determined by two or three dermatologists. All criteria concerned in UK diagnosis criteria, characteristic presentation of AD and atypical manifestations were recorded in detail. A total of 13998 children from 84 kindergartens and 40 vaccination clinics were included. The prevalence of AD was 12.94% by clinical diagnosis of dermatologists overall, with 74.6% of mild AD. Comparatively, prevalence of AD based on UK diagnostic criteria was 4.76%. This is the first face-to-face nation-wide study in Chinese children aged 1-7 ys, revealing that the prevalence of AD in children is closer to that of wealthier nations.

Extracellular superoxide dismutase ameliorates house dust mite-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation and inhibits mast cell activation in mice

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) is an enzyme that catalyses the dismutation of superoxide anions. It has multiple functions, such as reactive oxygen species scavenging, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antichemotatic and antitumor activities. Recently, we demonstrated that EC-SOD inhibits ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation in mice. However, the anti-allergic effect of EC-SOD on skin tissue and the role of EC-SOD in mast cells, which are important for allergic responses, have not been well studied. In this study, we investigated whether EC-SOD can alleviate atopic dermatitis in mice and inhibit mast cell activation. Treatment with human recombinant EC-SOD ameliorated house dust mite-induced atopic dermatitis in mice. Furthermore, the levels of pro-allergic cytokine gene expression and histamine release increased in EC-SOD KO mast cells and decreased in EC-SOD overexpressing mast cells, suggesting that EC-SOD inhibits mast cell activation. Consistently, a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis experiment showed more blood leakage from EC-SOD KO mouse ear skin, implying that the lack of EC-SOD increases allergic responses. These results suggest that EC-SOD inhibits mast cell activation and atopic dermatitis and that the loss of EC-SOD causes more severe allergic responses, implying that EC-SOD might be a good drug candidate for treatment of allergic disorders, such as atopic dermatitis.

Educational interventions to improve quality of life in people with chronic inflammatory skin diseases: systematic reviews of clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory skin diseases include a broad range of disorders. For some people, these conditions lead to psychological comorbidities and reduced quality of life (QoL). Patient education is recommended in the management of these conditions and may improve QoL.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of educational interventions to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with chronic inflammatory skin diseases.

DATA SOURCES

Twelve electronic bibliographic databases, including The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE, were searched to July 2014. Bibliographies of retrieved papers were searched and an Advisory Group contacted.

REVIEW METHODS

Systematic reviews were conducted following standard methodologies. Clinical effectiveness studies were included if they were undertaken in people with a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Educational interventions that aimed to, or could, improve HRQoL were eligible. Studies were required to measure HRQoL, and other outcomes such as disease severity were also included. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials were eligible. For the review of cost-effectiveness, studies were eligible if they were full economic evaluations, cost-consequence or cost analyses.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs were included in the review of clinical effectiveness. Two RCTs focused on children with eczema and their carers. Five RCTs were in adults. Of these, two were of people with psoriasis, one was of people with acne and two were of people with a range of conditions. There were few similarities in the interventions (e.g. the delivery mode, the topics covered, the duration of the education), which precluded any quantitative synthesis. Follow-up ranged from 4 weeks to 12 months, samples sizes were generally small and, overall, the study quality was poor. There appeared to be positive effects on HRQoL in participants with psoriasis in one trial, but no difference between groups in another trial in which participants had less severe psoriasis. Carers of children in one RCT of eczema showed improvement in HRQoL; however, in a RCT evaluating a website intervention there were no demonstrable effects on HRQoL. Neither the RCT in those adults with acne nor the RCT in those adults with mixed skin conditions demonstrated an effect on HRQoL. One RCT reported subgroups with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis and education was effective for psoriasis only. Other outcomes also showed mixed results. It is unclear how clinically meaningful any of the observed improvements are. Three studies of cost-effectiveness were included. The interventions, comparators and populations varied across the studies and, overall, the studies provided limited information on cost-effectiveness. The studies did provide detailed information on resources and costs that could be useful to inform a future cost-effectiveness evaluation in this area.

LIMITATIONS

The application of the inclusion criterion around whether the interventions were aimed at improving HRQoL or the inference that they could improve HRQoL was difficult as information was rarely reported.

CONCLUSIONS

There is uncertainty regarding whether educational interventions addressing issues that could improve HRQoL in people with chronic skin conditions are effective. Tentative conclusions about the best approach to delivering these kinds of interventions are that face-to-face, group, sessions may be beneficial; however, text messages may also be effective. Delivery over a period of time and by a multidisciplinary team may also be associated with positive outcomes. There is uncertainty over whether or not educational interventions are cost-effective.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014007426.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Probiotics and Atopic Dermatitis: An Overview

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, recurrent, chronic inflammatory skin disease that is a cause of considerable economic and social burden. Its prevalence varies substantially among different countries with an incidence rate proclaimed to reach up to 20% of children in developed countries and continues to escalate in developing nations. This increased rate of incidence has changed the focus of research on AD toward epidemiology, prevention, and treatment. The effects of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of AD remain elusive. However, evidence from different research groups show that probiotics could have positive effect on AD treatment, if any, that depend on multiple factors, such as specific probiotic strains, time of administration (onset time), duration of exposure, and dosage. However, till date we still lack strong evidence to advocate the use of probiotics in the treatment of AD, and questions remain to be answered considering its clinical use in future. Based on updated information, the processes that facilitate the development of AD and the topic of the administration of probiotics are addressed in this review.

Allergies are still on the rise? A 6-year nationwide population-based study in Korea

BACKGROUND

Some western countries recently have shown a slowdown in the incidence of allergic diseases after worldwide increasing trends, but there are few data from Asian populations concerning changing trend of allergic diseases. We evaluated the recent trends in the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in Korea.

METHODS

From the database of Korean National Health Insurance, a nationwide diagnostic data from 2009 to 2014 were extracted and the national prevalence was analyzed.

RESULTS

The prevalence per 1000 people of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma in 2014 was 19.0, 133.1, and 36.3, respectively. The prevalence of three diseases was highest in the age group under 10 as, 95.0, 384.1, and 132.1 per 1000 people, while the prevalence in the over-10-year-group was only 11.6, 109.5, and 27.3, respectively. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis gradually decreased with older age, but the prevalence of asthma showed a re-increasing pattern from the age group 30-39 and reached another peak for the age group 70-79. During the study period, the prevalence of asthma and atopic dermatitis showed decreasing tendency. In contrast, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis steadily increased until 2013, especially in the age group under 10.

CONCLUSIONS

The national prevalence of atopic dermatitis, and asthma did not show noticeable increase any more in Korea. However, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis still on the rise until recently, especially in the age group under 10. This is the first report in Asia suggesting a slowdown of the incidence of allergic diseases.

Probiotics and allergic diseases

The prevalence of allergic diseases including atopic dermatitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and food allergy is increasing worldwide and they cause a big economic and social burden. Understanding of reasons that contribute to the etiology of allergic diseases as well as new treatment approaches are very important for the follow-up and prevention of these diseases. In recent years, probiotics seem to be promising for allergic diseases. The effect of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of eczema is more extensively studied, but little is known about the association of the microbial flora of the host and allergic airway diseases and the efficacy of probiotics in decreasing the symptoms of patients with asthma and rhinitis. Hitherto, there is no strong evidence for use of probiotics in the treatment of eczema; however, administration of probiotics in breastfeeding mothers in the prenatal period and infants in the postnatal period can be accepted as a safe and helpful option in the prevention of eczema. In contrast, there is not yet reliable evidence or recommendations on use of probiotics for the prevention or treatment of asthma, AR, food allergy, and anaphylaxis currently. More standardized studies should be performed with different strains of probiotics to evaluate the protective and therapeutic effects of probiotics on other allergic diseases as well as eczema. In this review, the relationship between allergy and probiotics is handled in the light of current literature.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterised by intense itching and recurrent eczematous lesions. Although it most often starts in infancy and affects two of ten children, it is also highly prevalent in adults. It is the leading non-fatal health burden attributable to skin diseases, inflicts a substantial psychosocial burden on patients and their relatives, and increases the risk of food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis, other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, and mental health disorders. Originally regarded as a childhood disorder mediated by an imbalance towards a T-helper-2 response and exaggerated IgE responses to allergens, it is now recognised as a lifelong disposition with variable clinical manifestations and expressivity, in which defects of the epidermal barrier are central. Present prevention and treatment focus on restoration of epidermal barrier function, which is best achieved through the use of emollients. Topical corticosteroids are still the first-line therapy for acute flares, but they are also used proactively along with topical calcineurin inhibitors to maintain remission. Non-specific immunosuppressive drugs are used in severe refractory cases, but targeted disease-modifying drugs are being developed. We need to improve understanding of the heterogeneity of the disease and its subtypes, the role of atopy and autoimmunity, the mechanisms behind disease-associated itch, and the comparative effectiveness and safety of therapies.

Atopic dermatitis and the intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs

The prevalence of human and canine allergic diseases is commonly perceived to be increasing. Suggested predisposing factors in people and dogs include increased allergen load, increased exposure to pollutants, reduced family size, reduced microbial load and less exposure to infection at a young age, increasingly urbanised environment, and changes in dietary habits. Genetic make‐up may provide a template for phenotypic predisposition which is strongly influenced by our diet and environment leading to constant regulation of gene expression. One way in which diet can alter gene expression is via its effects on the gut flora or microbiota, the collection of microbes residing in the gastrointestinal tract. The resident microbiota is important in maintaining structural and functional integrity of the gut and in immune system regulation. It is an important driver of host immunity, helps protect against invading enteropathogens, and provides nutritional benefits to the host. Disruption of the microbiota (dysbiosis) may lead to severe health problems, both in the gastrointestinal tract and extra‐intestinal organ systems. The precise mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota exerts its effects are only beginning to be unravelled but research is demonstrating close links between gut microflora and many factors involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). AD and indeed any other ‘skin disease’, may be seen as a possible manifestation of a more systemic problem involving gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability, which may occur even in the absence of gastrointestinal signs. Manipulation of the canine intestinal microbiota as a method for modifying atopy, may be attempted in many ways including avoidance of certain foods, supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics, optimising nutrient intake, minimising stress, antimicrobial therapy, correction and prevention of low stomach acid, and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cell-derived PGE2 and TGF-β1 alleviate atopic dermatitis by reducing mast cell degranulation

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is a promising tool for the therapy of immune disorders. However, their efficacy and mechanisms in treating allergic skin disorders are less verified. We sought to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) against murine atopic dermatitis (AD) and to explore distinct mechanisms that regulate their efficacy. AD was induced in mice by the topical application of Dermatophagoides farinae. Naïve or activated-hUCB-MSCs were administered to mice, and clinical severity was determined. The subcutaneous administration of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2)-activated hUCB-MSCs exhibited prominent protective effects against AD, and suppressed the infiltration and degranulation of mast cells (MCs). A β-hexosaminidase assay was performed to evaluate the effect of hUCB-MSCs on MC degranulation. NOD2-activated MSCs reduced the MC degranulation via NOD2-cyclooxygenase-2 signaling. In contrast to bone marrow-derived MSCs, hUCB-MSCs exerted a cell-to-cell contact-independent suppressive effect on MC degranulation through the higher production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ). Additionally, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 production from hUCB-MSCs in response to interleukin-4 contributed to the attenuation of MC degranulation by downregulating FcεRI expression in MCs. In conclusion, the subcutaneous application of NOD2-activated hUCB-MSCs can efficiently ameliorate AD, and MSC-derived PGE2 and TGF-β1 are required for the inhibition of MC degranulation.

Pilot testing and validation of an atopic dermatitis screening and evaluation questionnaire

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a major public health concern worldwide. Given its rising prevalence, there is a pressing need to study its epidemiology. To date, no validated, cost-effective, and patient self-administered screening instrument exists that can reliably distinguish AD from other skin conditions. Our aim is to develop an instrument that can validate a self-reported AD diagnosis quickly and with reasonable accuracy in a population at a distance.

METHODS

A one-page, 13-question atopic dermatitis screening and evaluation questionnaire (ADSEQ) was generated after literature review and consultation with dermatologists. The questionnaire was administered to 121 patients with and without AD in a dermatology clinic. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for all questions. The questions with the highest sensitivities were selected for logistic regression analysis, and a receiver operating characteristics curve was plotted.

RESULTS

Four scoring algorithms using different combinations of responses were then developed. A combination of Q7 (itching) and Qpic (the image questions combined) had the highest sensitivity (96.3%) and specificity (84%) for a diagnosis of AD. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.71, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Other algorithms combining Qpic and questions about past diagnosis (Q1) or family history of atopy (Q5) also had sensitivities and specificities in the 80s or 90s.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, we found that our questionnaire was a valid and reliable self-administered tool for distinguishing individuals with AD from individuals without AD.

Assessment of atopic dermatitis using self-report and caregiver report: a multicentre validation study

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) in the U.S.A. has been described largely via US population-based questionnaire studies. However, the validity of the questions used for self- and caregiver-reported eczema has not been previously demonstrated.

OBJECTIVES

To validate the assessment of self- and caregiver-reported eczema.

METHODS

We performed a prospective multicentre dermatology-practice-based study (three sites) to determine the validity of caregiver- and self-reported ever having eczema and 1-year history of eczema. Questionnaires were administered to unselected patients prior to their encounter. Patients (n = 782) were then evaluated by expert dermatologists trained in utilizing the Hanifin and Rajka criteria for AD. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value were determined.

RESULTS

Caregiver-reported 1-year history of childhood eczema was found to have a sensitivity (95% confidence interval) of 0·70 (0·59-0·80), specificity of 0·96 (0·93-0·99) and PPV of 0·87 (0·78-0·96) when compared with a physician's diagnosis of AD at that visit. Similarly, self-reported 1-year history of adult eczema was found to have a sensitivity of 0·70 (0·59-0·80), specificity of 0·95 (0·93-0·97) and PPV of 0·76 (0·64-0·85). The specificities and PPVs of a history of ever having caregiver- (0·89, 0·82-0·96 and 0·81, 0·70-0·93) and self-reported eczema (0·97, 0·95-0·99 and 0·91, 0·85-0·97) were high, with a high sensitivity in children (0·83, 0·72-0·95) but not in adults (0·43, 0·37-0·51).

CONCLUSIONS

Self- and caregiver-reported diagnosis of eczema ever or in the past year based on a single question demonstrates sufficient validity for the epidemiological study of AD.

Probiotics and infantile atopic eczema

Pediatric eczema is a common disease which causes economic and social burden. Its incidence differs among the societies, with an incidence reported to reach up to 20% in developed countries. Eczema is the first allergic disease seen in the childhood, and it is recognized as a precursor for the development of atopic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergy in the forthcoming years of children. Increased incidence of eczema in recent years has led to new research in epidemiology, prevention, and intervention of this disease. It is no doubt important to treat itching, rash, and excoriation of the skin; however, treatment of pediatric eczema should not be considered only as a treatment of skin lesions. Considering skin treatment as the tip of the iceberg, proper management of the allergic processes can be accepted as the rest of the iceberg. The role of probiotics in the prevention of atopic eczema is yet to be clarified. Evidence presented by existing studies suggesting that probiotics may prevent pediatric eczema is not strong enough. A positive effect, if any, may be related with onset time, dose, duration, and use of specific probiotics. To date, there is no strong evidence for use of probiotics in the treatment of eczema; however, administration of probiotics in breast-feeding mothers in the prenatal period and in infants in the postnatal period can be accepted as a safe and helpful option in the prevention of eczema. Nevertheless, there are still questions to be answered in the future about probiotic administration for eczema. Clinical use of probiotics will gradually become more widespread when these questions are answered. Based on current information, the administration of probiotics for pediatric eczema topic is addressed in this review.

Atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions with IgE hyperproduction and pruritus in KFRS4/Kyo rats

BACKGROUND

Rats showing spontaneous atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions were observed in the Kyoto Fancy Rat Stock 4 (KFRS4) strain breeding colony.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the KFRS4 rat as a model of AD.

METHODS

The clinical symptoms of AD-like skin lesions were assessed by scoring the degree of dermatitis and examining scratching behavior. The transepidermal water loss was measured to evaluate skin barrier function. Cells infiltrating the skin lesions were identified using histological and immunohistological analyses. IgE and cytokine levels were measured to examine immune status. An ointment treatment experiment was carried out to characterize dermatitis in the KFRS4 rats.

RESULTS

Dermatitis initially appeared around 4 months of age and rapidly worsened from 6 to 8 months of age. The skin lesions accompanied scratching behavior and were predominantly observed in females. The increased transepidermal water loss indicated skin barrier dysfunction. Extensive infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells and lymphocytes was observed in the skin lesions. The plasma IgE level increased in accord with increasing severity of dermatitis. The Th2 and Th17 cytokine mRNA levels were significantly higher in the skin-draining lymph nodes than those in the non-skin-draining lymph nodes. It was demonstrated that betamethasone improved the symptoms of dermatitis. These findings demonstrated that dermatitis in the KFRS4 rats closely resembled that seen in human AD.

CONCLUSION

Female KFRS4 rats have the potential to serve as an animal model of human AD.

Safety and Activity of UR-1505 in Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-blind Phase II Exploratory Trial

PURPOSE

UR-1505 is a new small molecule with immune modulator properties intended for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases that has shown anti-inflammatory effects in models of skin inflammation. We compared the activity of UR-1505 ointment against its vehicle in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Secondary objectives included exploring dose response, safety, and local tolerability of UR-1505.

METHODS

Patients with AD lesions on 2 symmetrical topographic areas (arms, leg, or trunk) were included in this unicenter randomized, double-blind, within-patient, controlled Phase II exploratory trial and received simultaneously 2 different treatments (0.5%, 1%, or 2% UR-1505 and vehicle or 0.1% tacrolimus ointment) once daily during 28 days. The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline in the Investigator Global Assessment score at Day 28. Secondary end points were percentage of area clearance, local Eczema Area Severity Index (local EASI), and local tolerability. A linear mixed model was used, fitting treatment, body side, and group (treatment at the contralateral side) as fixed factors and the patient as a random effect.

FINDINGS

Twenty-eight patients were randomized and 25 patients were included in the per protocol analysis, with 50 evaluable lesions (n = 13 for vehicle, n = 8 for UR-1505 0.5%, n = 9 for 1% UR-1505, n=8 for 2% UR-1505, and n=12 for tacrolimus). The mean Investigator Global Assessment score change from baseline at Day 28 was -1.7 for vehicle, -1.0, -1.2, and -1.5 for 0.5%, 1%, and 2% UR-1505, respectively, and -2.6% for tacrolimus (P = 0.002). No serious nor causal adverse reactions were reported in this study, but patients reported numerous local symptoms after product applications, especially itching, tingling, tightness, and heat/burning sensations at frequencies that were similar for vehicle, 1% UR-1505, and 2% UR-1505; more frequent with 0.5% UR-1505; and lowest for tacrolimus.

IMPLICATIONS

This study found that UR-1505 may not be a suitable option for the treatment of atopic dermatitis due to its lack of clinically relevant effect compared with its vehicle and 0.1% tacrolimus ointment.

Spontaneous atopic dermatitis is mediated by innate immunity, with the secondary lung inflammation of the atopic march requiring adaptive immunity

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin condition that can occur in early life, predisposing to asthma development in a phenomenon known as the atopic march. Although genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to AD and asthma, the mechanisms underlying the atopic march remain poorly understood. Filaggrin loss-of-function mutations are a major genetic predisposer for the development of AD and progression to AD-associated asthma.

Objective

We sought to experimentally address whether filaggrin mutations in mice lead to the development of spontaneous eczematous inflammation and address the aberrant immunologic milieu arising in a mouse model of filaggrin deficiency.

Methods

Filaggrin mutant mice were generated on the proallergic BALB/c background, creating a novel model for the assessment of spontaneous AD-like inflammation. Independently recruited AD case collections were analyzed to define associations between filaggrin mutations and immunologic phenotypes.

Results

Filaggrin-deficient mice on a BALB/c background had profound spontaneous AD-like inflammation with progression to compromised pulmonary function with age, reflecting the atopic march in patients with AD. Strikingly, skin inflammation occurs independently of adaptive immunity and is associated with cutaneous expansion of IL-5–producing type 2 innate lymphoid cells. Furthermore, subjects with filaggrin mutations have an increased frequency of type 2 innate lymphoid cells in the skin in comparison with control subjects.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into our understanding of the atopic march, with innate immunity initiating dermatitis and the adaptive immunity required for subsequent development of compromised lung function.

The reliability and validity of outcome measures for atopic dermatitis in patients with pigmented skin: A grey area

Background

Outcome measures for atopic dermatitis (AD) patients with pigmented skin have neither been developed nor validated.

Objective

To compare the reliability and validity of four common AD outcome measures in patients with various levels of skin darkness.

Method

The inter- and intra-rater reliability and construct validity of the EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index), objective-SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (oSCORAD), Three Items Severity index (TIS) and Six Areas, Six Sites Atopic Dermatitis (SASSAD) were evaluated in 18 patients of various levels of skin darkness, using their full body photographs, by five trained clinicians.

Results

The inter-rater reliability intraclass coefficient (ICCs) and 95% confidence intervals were poor for highly pigmented patients: EASI -.054(-.200 to .657), oSCORAD -.089(-.206 to .598), TIS -.21(-.24 to .147), SASSAD -.071(-.200 to .631); fair for mildly pigmented patients: EASI .464(.140-.839), oSCORAD .588(.265-.89), TIS.524(.200-.865), SASSAD .41(.045-.775); and fair to good for non-pigmented patients: EASI .64(.330-.908), oSCORAD .586(.263-.889), TIS .403(.09-.809), SASSAD .667(.358-.916). Erythema likely contributed to the inter-rater variability. Construct validity had significant correlations across all measures in non-pigmented patients, but no correlations in highly pigmented patients.

Conclusion

AD outcome measures have poor reliability and validity in highly pigmented patients, with variations in erythema perception being a contributor.

[Effects of Blending Oil of Lavender and Thyme on Oxidative Stress, Immunity, and Skin Condition in Atopic Dermatitis Induced Mice]

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of essential oil on oxidative stress, immunity, and skin condition in atopic dermatitis (AD) induced mice.

METHODS

This study was a 3×3 factorial design. Factors were oil type (Lavender, Thyme, and 2:1 mixture of lavender and thyme oil [blending oil]) and treatment period (0 day, 7 days, and 21 days). The samples were 45 mice with AD and randomly assigned to nine groups of five mice per group. The dependent variables such as superoxide radical, IgE, degranulated mast cells, and epidermal thickness were measured. Data were collected from February to April in 2014. Descriptive statistics, One-way ANOVA, Two-way ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD test were performed using the SPSS WIN 20.0 program.

RESULTS

Dependent variables were not statistically significantly different by the three oil types (p>.05). Essential oils such as lavender, thyme, and blending oil were all effective in reducing AD symptoms and especially 2:1 blending oil were most effective. There were statistically significant differences by the three treatment periods in all dependent variables (p<.001). There were statistically significant interactions between oil types and treatment periods in all dependent variables (p<.01). For decreasing superoxide radical, degranulated mast cells, and epidermal thickness, 2:1 mixed oil should be applied for at least 21 days. Otherwise to reduce IgE, 2:1 mixed oil should be used for at least 7 days.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide bases for developing effective interventions for AD patients to manage their AD symptoms.

Early-onset atopic dermatitis in children: which are the phenotypes at risk of asthma? Results from the ORCA cohort

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is known to predate asthma and other atopic disorders described under the term “atopic march”. However, this classic sequence is not always present and only a few studies have addressed children at risk of developing asthma. The objective of this study is to define early-onset AD phenotypes leading to asthma.

Methods

We performed a cluster analysis with 9 variables of 214 infants with early-onset AD prospectively enrolled in the ORCA cohort and followed each year on the occurrence of asthma until the age of 6.

Results

We identified 3 clusters - cluster 1 (n = 94) with low to no sensitization to food (27.7%) or aeroallergens (10.6%) and moderate AD severity (SCORAD 25.29 +/- 14.6) called “AD with low sensitization”; - cluster 2 (n = 84) characterized by a higher AD severity (SCORAD 32.66+/-16.6) and frequent sensitization to food (98.9%) or aeroallergens (26.2%), most likely multiple (96.4% for food allergens), called “AD with multiple sensitizations” - cluster 3 (n = 36) with parental history, moderate AD severity (SCORAD 24.46+/-15.7), moderate rate of sensitization to food allergens (38.9%) (exclusively single) with no sensitization to aeroallergens, called “AD with familial history of asthma”. Percentages of children suffering from asthma at the age of 6 were higher in clusters 2 and 3 (36.1% and 33.3% respectively versus 14.9% in cluster 1, p<0.01).

Conclusion

Two phenotypes in infants with early-onset AD convey a higher risk of developing asthma during childhood: multiple sensitization and familial history of asthma.

Increasing prevalence of asthma, respiratory symptoms, and allergic diseases: Four repeated surveys from 1993-2014

BACKGROUND

Published data shows different prevalence trends depending on the region of Europe.

AIM

The aim of the study was to analyze time trends of the frequency of the respiratory symptoms and allergic diseases in school children (Silesia, Poland) over the last 21 years.

METHODS

We compared the results of four population-based surveys performed in a town of Chorzow in 1993, 2002, 2007 and 2014 in children aged 7-10 years. All four studies had the same study protocol, recruitment (cluster, school-based sampling), questionnaire (WHO respiratory health questionnaire) and the same principal investigator The surveys included 1130 children in 1993, 1421 children in 2002, 1661 children in 2007 and 1698 in 2014.

RESULTS

The results covered a 21 year span and showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the prevalence of the following physician-diagnosed disorders (1993-2002-2007-2014): asthma (3.4%-4.8%-8.6%-12,6%); allergic rhinitis (4.3%-11.9%-15.9%-13.9%); atopic dermatitis (3.6%-7.9%-12.0%-13.9%); allergic conjunctivitis (4.3%-7.9%-8.3%-7.9%); A simultaneous increasing trend (p < 0.05) in the attacks of dyspnea (3.9%-5.9%-7.0%-7.3%) and symptoms (wheeze, dyspnea, cough) induced by exercise (7.5%-10.6%-22.0%-22.4%) and - at the same time - decrease (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of cough (31.6%-19.6%15.4%-14.4%). Among children with diagnosed asthma during the 21 year span there was significantly (p < 0.05) increased proportion of treated children (51.3%-51.3%-69.5%-60.7%) and a lower frequency of presenting current symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings are in line with the concept of a real increase in the occurrence of asthma and allergic disease in children. The pattern involves not only physician-diagnosed allergic diseases but also occurrence of symptoms related to respiratory disorders. Diagnosed asthma is better treated and better controlled.

Updated prevalences of asthma, allergy, and airway symptoms, and a systematic review of trends over time for childhood asthma in Shanghai, China

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of asthma among Shanghai children has increased over time. This increase might be associated with changes in environmental exposures. Investigation of the time-trend of asthma and current prevalences is essential to understanding the causes.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the current prevalences of asthma, allergies and other respiratory symptoms among Shanghai preschool children, and to investigate the time-trend of childhood asthma prevalence of from 1990 to 2011.

METHODS

From April 2011 to April 2012, the CCHH (China, Children, Homes, Health) cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai. Questionnaires were distributed to 17,898 parents or guardians of preschool children from 72 kindergartens in 5 districts. Previous similar studies were also summarized by a systematic literature review.

RESULTS

From a total of 14,884 questionnaires for 3-7 year old children, prevalences of the following diseases and symptoms were calculated: asthma 10.2%, wheeze (ever) 28.1%, pneumonia (ever) 33.5%, otitis media 11.0%, rhinitis (ever) 54.1%, hay fever 12.2%, eczema (ever) 22.7%, and food allergy 15.7%. Urban children had higher prevalences of most symptoms than suburban children. The prevalence of asthma has increased significantly, almost five-fold, from 2.1% in 1990 to 10.2% in the present study. The prevalence of asthma in boys was higher than in girls in the present study and in all reviewed studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Asthma, allergy and airway symptoms are common among preschool children in Shanghai. The prevalence of childhood asthma in Shanghai has increased rapidly from 1990 to 2011.

An innovative oat-based sterile emollient cream in the maintenance therapy of childhood atopic dermatitis

Although emollients are recommended in the management of atopic dermatitis (AD), regimens for emollient maintenance therapy are awaiting validation. We conducted an international, multicenter, open-label trial to assess the effects of a 3-month maintenance treatment regimen with a sterile, preservative-free emollient cream containing oat plantlets in children (ages 6 mos-6 yrs) with moderate AD. After a 14-day run-in stabilization phase using a topical corticosteroid (TCS) treatment of medium potency, 108 children with a SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index of 20 or less were included in the study. Emollient was applied twice daily for 3 months. Rescue TCS treatment was used only in cases of flare-ups. The SCORAD index, Patient-Oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD) index, number of flares, TCS use, and tolerance were assessed at months 1, 2, and 3 (M1, M2, M3). AD severity improved, with a highly significant decrease in the SCORAD and PO-SCORAD indexes at M2 and M3 (p < 0.001). Changes from baseline to M3 were 48.6 ± 73.6% for SCORAD and 29.6 ± 125.3% for PO-SCORAD. The number of flares and TCS use significantly decreased by M3 (both p < 0.001). Very good tolerance was recorded in 100% of children at M2 and M3. Notwithstanding the limitations inherent in open-label trials, twice daily application of the oat-based sterile emollient cream led to a significant improvement of clinical symptoms, evidenced by parallel changes in the SCORAD and PO-SCORAD indexes and fewer flare-ups. Clinical benefit and less TCS use were maintained at M3. Tolerance was very good.

Factors associated with atopy in toddlers: a case-control study

In this case-control study the association between the approaches used to feed infants, together with known family and environmental factors, and the occurrence of atopic illness in toddlers between the ages of 4 months to 3 years in Hong Kong was examined. A total of 206 subjects were recruited from April to June of 2014. The results obtained by binary logistic regression indicated that atopy is associated with boys (OR 2.072, CI 1.089-3.941), the maternal use of antibiotics in utero or while breast feeding (OR 2.276, CI 1.151-4.504), the later commencement of mixed feeding (OR 2.497, CI 1.025-6.082), breast feeding exclusively for 3 months (OR 1.972, CI 1.009-3.857), and having a mother who was diagnosed with eczema (OR 4.510, CI 1.764-11.530). Although an exclusive reliance on breast feeding has been shown to be predictive of atopy among toddlers, the positive qualities of breast milk cannot be ignored. A further study of the contents and nutritional values of breast milk is warranted.

From the outside-in: Epidermal targeting as a paradigm for atopic disease therapy

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder which can precede asthma and allergic rhinitis in a disease trajectory known as the atopic march. The pathophysiology of AD includes cutaneous inflammation, disrupted epidermal barrier function, xerosis and propensity to secondary infections. AD had previously been thought to arise from the systemic atopic immune response and therapies are therefore directed towards ameliorating Th2-mediated inflammation. However in recent years the focus has shifted towards primary defects in the skin barrier as an initiating event in AD. Links between loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding filaggrin and disrupted activity of epidermal serine proteases and AD have been reported. Based on these observations, a mechanism has been described by which epidermal barrier dysfunction may lead to inflammation and allergic sensitization. Exogenous and endogenous stressors can further exacerbate inherited barrier abnormalities to promote disease activity. Pathways underlying progression of the atopic march remain unclear, but recent findings implicate thymic stromal lymphopoietin as a factor linking AD to subsequent airway inflammation in asthma. This new appreciation of the epidermis in the development of AD should lead to deployment of more specific strategies to restore barrier function in atopic patients and potentially halt the atopic march.

Genome-wide comparative analysis of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis gives insight into opposing genetic mechanisms

Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are the two most common immune-mediated inflammatory disorders affecting the skin. Genome-wide studies demonstrate a high degree of genetic overlap, but these diseases have mutually exclusive clinical phenotypes and opposing immune mechanisms. Despite their prevalence, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis very rarely co-occur within one individual. By utilizing genome-wide association study and ImmunoChip data from >19,000 individuals and methodologies developed from meta-analysis, we have identified opposing risk alleles at shared loci as well as independent disease-specific loci within the epidermal differentiation complex (chromosome 1q21.3), the Th2 locus control region (chromosome 5q31.1), and the major histocompatibility complex (chromosome 6p21-22). We further identified previously unreported pleiotropic alleles with opposing effects on atopic dermatitis and psoriasis risk in PRKRA and ANXA6/TNIP1. In contrast, there was no evidence for shared loci with effects operating in the same direction on both diseases. Our results show that atopic dermatitis and psoriasis have distinct genetic mechanisms with opposing effects in shared pathways influencing epidermal differentiation and immune response. The statistical analysis methods developed in the conduct of this study have produced additional insight from previously published data sets. The approach is likely to be applicable to the investigation of the genetic basis of other complex traits with overlapping and distinct clinical features.

Correlation between Objective SCORAD and Three-Item Severity Score Used by Physicians and Objective PO-SCORAD Used by Parents/Patients in Children with Atopic Dermatitis

<b><i>Background:</i></b> A self-assessment rating scale (SAS) is a good tool to assess the fluctuating disease severity and quality of life (QoL) in children with atopic dermatitis (AD). The European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis created an SAS based on the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, called the Patient-Oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD). <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of our study was to measure the correlation between alternative systems such as the Objective SCORAD, the Three-Item Severity (TIS) score and the Objective PO-SCORAD. We also investigated the correlations between the objective severity assessments and QoL. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In a specialized outpatient clinic, an observational prospective study was performed with children ≤16 years with AD. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Seventy-five children were included. A good and significant correlation was shown between Objective SCORAD and Objective PO-SCORAD: Spearman's &#x03C1; correlation (r_s) = 0.63 (p < 0.001). The correlation with QoL was moderate, but still significant (r_s = 0.41-0.61, p < 0.001). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The Objective PO-SCORAD can be used for the evaluation of fluctuating AD and correlates significantly with the Objective SCORAD and the less time-consuming TIS score.

Spectrum of skin diseases presented at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, southwest Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Patterns of skin disease in developing nations are changing as frequencies of non-communicable diseases continue to increase. Appraisal of the current status of the disease profile is of utmost importance for health planning and resource allocation.

METHODS

A prospective analysis of 895 cases of outpatient consultation during the years 2005-2010 was conducted.

RESULTS

The mean ± standard deviation age of patients was 31.1 ± 19.1 years. Non-infectious skin diseases accounted for 80.9% of all cases. Eczemas/dermatitis (27.0%), urticarias/erythemas (11.0%), fungal infections (9.5%), skin appendage disorders (8.9%), papulosquamous diseases (8.2%), pigmentary diseases (8.2%), viral infections (6.8%), and tumors and malignant skin lesions (5.4%) represented the most common presentations. Atopic dermatitis was the most common type of eczema (29.8%) among children (odds ratio [OR] 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-2.13; P = 0.013), in whom cornification disorders (OR 3.90, 95% CI 1.73-8.92; P < 0.001) and viral infections (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.09-3.25; P = 0.021) were also frequent. Adults were more likely to be diagnosed with drug eruptions (OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.09-11.80; P = 0.003), tumors/malignancy (OR 4.97, 95% CI 1.53-16.10; P = 0.030), or autoimmune connective tissue disorders (OR 8.13, 95% CI 1.09-60.20; P = 0.015). Female subjects were significantly affected by urticarias (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.00-2.33; P = 0.030) and papulosquamous diseases (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.09-3.03; P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

The present pattern shows that non-infectious skin diseases are predominant. Occurrences of eczemas and urticarias are increasing at similar rates, whereas infectious skin diseases are decreasing in frequency. Resources and research should be directed towards the prevention of non-infectious skin diseases at this time as the campaign for a cleaner environment continues.

Epidemiology of childhood atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with significant morbidity and quality of life impairment. Elucidating the epidemiology of AD is important for understanding disease risk factors and facilitates development of interventions for disease prevention. This contribution aims to summarize recent developments in the epidemiology of AD, including the US prevalence, regional differences, and secular trends of disease prevalence, genetic and environmental determinants, distribution, and determinants of disease severity and health care use for AD.

Domestic exposure to volatile organic compounds in relation to asthma and allergy in children and adults

Over the past decades, the prevalence of asthma, allergic disease and atopy has increased significantly and in parallel with the increased use of products and materials emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor environment. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence of the relationship between quantitatively measured domestic exposure to VOCs and allergic diseases and allergy in children and adults. Sources, potential immune-inflammatory mechanisms and risks for development and severity of asthma and allergy have been addressed. Available evidence is based on studies that have mainly used observational designs of variable quality. Total, aromatic, aliphatic, microbial VOCs and aldehydes have been the most widely investigated VOC classes, with formaldehyde being the most commonly examined single compound. Overall, the evidence is inadequate to draw any firm conclusions. However, given indicative evidence from a few high-quality studies and significant potential for improvements in asthma outcomes in those with established disease, there is a need to consider undertaking further investigation of the relationship between domestic VOC exposure and asthma/allergy outcomes that should encompass both high-quality, robust observational studies and ultimately clinical trials assessing the impact of interventions that aim to reduce VOC exposure in children and adults with asthma.

Adult eczema in Italy: prevalence and associations with environmental factors

BACKGROUND

Studies on the prevalence of eczema and atopic dermatitis (AD), and on the factors associated with these diseases, have been mostly performed in children, whereas studies on adult populations are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of eczema and AD in the Italian adult population, and to investigate risk factors associated with the disease.

METHODS

A postal screening questionnaire was administered to 18 357 randomly selected subjects aged 20-44 years in the Gene-Environment Interaction in Respiratory Diseases study, which involved seven centres distributed across northern, central and southern Italy. The questionnaire included items on the occurrence of doctor-diagnosed eczema, asthma and hay fever, socio-demographic characteristics and environmental exposures.

RESULTS

In all, 10 464 (57.0%) subjects responded to the questionnaire. The prevalence of current eczema was 8.1% (95% CI: 7.6-8.7%), while the prevalence of eczema with asthma and/or hay fever (EAH), which was adopted as proxy of AD, was 3.4% (95% CI: 3.1-3.8%). About 60% of the subjects with current eczema reported the onset of the disease in adulthood. In multi-variable models, the prevalence of eczema was significantly associated with female sex, older age, living close to industrial plants, high levels of heavy traffic near home and living in central-southern Italy.

CONCLUSIONS

Eczema and EAH are highly prevalent in Italian young adults, especially in women. Our results suggest that adult onset is not unusual, and that environmental factors may influence the occurrence of eczema and EAH.