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Meta-Analysis
. 2018 Mar;73(3):696-704.
doi: 10.1111/all.13320. Epub 2017 Nov 24.

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis beyond childhood: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

K Abuabara  1 , A M Yu  2 , J-P Okhovat  3 , I E Allen  4 , S M Langan  5
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis beyond childhood: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

K Abuabara et al. Allergy. 2018 Mar.

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.

Keywords: atopic dermatitis; atopic eczema; eczema; natural history; prevalence.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow diagram. Results of search strategy [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 2
Figure 2
Longitudinal prevalence estimates of included studies. Proportion of the population with AD at each age [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 3
Figure 3
Results of meta‐analysis of risk difference in AD prevalence. Risk difference (RD) in prevalence in children age <12 years of age compared with children age ≥12 years [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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