Childhood Obesity Linked to Higher Risk of Atopic Dermatitis

In a recent study, researchers highlighted a potential link between early childhood obesity and the development of immune-mediated skin diseases (IMSDs), particularly atopic dermatitis (AD). Researchers analyzed data from over 2 million South Korean children, ages 4 to 12, from 2009 to 2020, examining the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the onset of IMSDs.

Study Finds Severe Atopic Dermatitis Increases Glaucoma Surgery Risk

A recently published study found that patients with both glaucoma and severe atopic dermatitis (AD) are at a significantly higher risk of requiring glaucoma surgery compared with those without AD. Researchers in Taiwan reviewed data from the Global Collaborative Network in TriNetX, focusing on patients diagnosed with glaucoma between December 2003 and December 2018.

Experts: Recognizing Racial Variations in Atopic Dermatitis is Key to Improving Care

Physicians must recognize variations in atopic dermatitis (AD) presentation across different races, as highlighted by Dr. Melinda M. Rathkopf at the Annual Allergy, Asthma and Immunology CME Conference. AD is more prevalent and severe among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander children, though treatment guidelines generally remain consistent. Diagnosing AD in darker skin can be challenging due to the subtler appearance of erythema. Social determinants of health, like access to care, further complicate diagnosis and treatment in minority populations.

Dupilumab Significantly Lowers Atopic March Risk in Pediatric Patients With Atopic Dermatitis

A study found that dupilumab treatment significantly reduces the risk of atopic march progression in pediatric and adolescent patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-4 receptor alpha, addresses allergic inflammation and reverses epidermal abnormalities linked to atopic march risk. In a retrospective cohort study, researchers compared pediatric patients newly treated with dupilumab to those receiving conventional therapies. The 3-year cumulative incidence of atopic march progression was notably lower in the dupilumab group (20.09%) compared to the conventional therapy group (27.22%). The study also revealed that dupilumab reduced the risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis, particularly in preschool-aged children.

Picture-Based Scorecard Enhances Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosis in Infants Across Diverse Skin Tones

A study found that a picture-based scorecard incorporating multiple skin tones improved the assessment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants. The scorecard aimed to address the challenges of diagnosing AD across diverse skin tones, potentially preventing related conditions like peanut allergy. The study involved 13 infants and included photographs from various ethnic backgrounds. Dermatologists assessed the severity of AD in these photos, leading to a validated tool that was tested by 159 pediatricians. Among the respondents, 53.7% found the scorecard “very” or “extremely” helpful, and 35.5% said it moderately improved their ability to diagnose and categorize AD.

Study Reveals Higher Rates of Positive Patch-Test Reactions for Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Children With Atopic Dermatitis

Researchers of a study found that children with atopic dermatitis (AD) are more likely to have positive patch-test reactions for allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) compared to children without AD. Despite an estimated 16.5% prevalence of ACD in children, less than 10% undergo patch testing for diagnosis. Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School conducted a retrospective study using data from the Pediatric Allergic Contact Dermatitis Registry (2018-2022) involving 912 children, of whom 615 had AD. 

Study Links High Sodium Intake to Increased Atopic Dermatitis Risk

Higher dietary sodium intake has been linked to an increased risk of atopic dermatitis (AD), suggesting that a sodium-restricting diet could be beneficial for managing the condition. This study found that fast food diets, typically high in sodium, are associated with more severe eczema in children globally. The research involved 215,832 adults aged 37 to 73, where 5% had AD. It revealed that higher 24-hour urine sodium excretion correlates with higher odds of AD and increasing severity. A validation cohort from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey confirmed these findings, indicating a 1 g/day increase in dietary sodium intake is associated with a higher risk for current AD.

Dupilumab Shows Promise for Treating Atopic Hand and Foot Dermatitis in Phase 3 Trial

Systemic treatment options for patients with atopic hand and/or foot dermatitis (H/F AD) are limited despite the high disease burden. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in treating H/F AD using specific instruments to assess disease severity on hands and feet. In a multicenter phase 3 trial, adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe H/F AD were randomized to receive either dupilumab monotherapy or a matched placebo. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a Hand and Foot Investigator’s Global Assessment score of 0 or 1 at week 16, with secondary endpoints assessing symptom intensity, quality of life, and sleep.

Rising Atopic Dermatitis Cases in Elderly Highlight Unique Immune Differences and Risk Factors

The onset of atopic dermatitis (AD) in older adults, including those aged 90 and above, has been increasingly documented, highlighting age-related immune differences and risk factors. According to a 2012 survey, AD prevalence in the United States remains between 6% and 8% through adulthood, with a meta-analysis showing that 26.1% of adults with AD report its onset in adulthood. Recent research also identified significant proportions of elderly-onset AD, with studies showing incidence peaks in both infancy and older adulthood.