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The prevalence of atopic dermatitis beyond childhood: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of longitudinal studies
Author(s) -
Abuabara K.,
Yu A. M.,
Okhovat J.P.,
Allen I. E.,
Langan S. M.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/all.13320
Subject(s) - medicine , atopic dermatitis , meta analysis , confidence interval , population , pediatrics , cohort study , epidemiology , demography , longitudinal study , prevalence , cohort , disease , environmental health , immunology , pathology , sociology
Abstract Background There are sparse and conflicting data regarding the long‐term clinical course of atopic dermatitis ( AD ). Although often described as a childhood disease, newer population‐based estimates suggest the prevalence of pediatric and adult disease may be similar. Methods Our objective was to determine whether there is a decline in the prevalence of AD in population‐based cohorts of patients followed longitudinally beyond childhood. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis including studies assessing AD prevalence across 3 or more points in time. The primary outcome was weighted overall risk difference (percentage decrease in AD prevalence). Results Of 2080 references reviewed, 7 studies with 13 515 participants were included. Participants were assessed at 3‐6 time points, ranging from age 3 months to 26 years. The percentage decrease in prevalence after age 12 was 1%, which was not significantly different from zero (95% confidence interval −2%‐5%). Similar results were found with other age cut‐offs. Conclusion The prevalence of AD in longitudinal birth cohort studies is similar in childhood and adolescence/early adulthood.