Atopic Dermatitis Linked to Increased Risk of Osteoporosis and Fractures
A meta-analysis published in Annals of Medicine has found that atopic dermatitis is associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, particularly in severe cases and involving vertebral or lower-limb fractures.
This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) by synthesizing data from cohort studies. We also provide a comprehensive analysis of fracture risks across different severities of AD and anatomical sites.
Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to May 30, 2025. Studies that investigated the relationship between Atopic Dermatitis and osteoporosis or fractures were included in the analysis. Data extraction and screening were performed independently by two reviewers. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects meta-analysis was applied, alongside sensitivity and subgroup analyses. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test.
Ten cohort studies, involving 368 to over 2 million Atopic Dermatitis patients, were included. NOS scores ranged from 7 to 8, indicating generally high study quality. The pooled analysis revealed a 56% increased risk of osteoporosis (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.14-2.13; I2 = 99.9%, p < 0.0001) and an 8% increased risk of all-cause fractures (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10; I2 = 82.1%, p < 0.0001) in AD patients. Subgroup analyses demonstrated a progressive increase in fracture risk with the severity of AD. Specific risks were significantly higher for vertebral fractures (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08-1.20; I2 = 67.3%, p = 0.009) and lower limb fractures (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.08-1.13; I2 = 65.0%, p = 0.014). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, and no significant publication bias was detected (p = 0.316).
Atopic Dermatitis is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly among patients with severe Atopic Dermatitis and those experiencing vertebral or lower limb fractures. These findings highlight the importance of targeted bone health monitoring in the clinical management of Atopic Dermatitis patients.
Reference:
Liu H, Ru H, Yu P, Wei W, Wang S. Atopic dermatitis and the risk of osteoporosis and fractures: a meta-analysis of cohort studies. Ann Med. 2026 Dec;58(1):2607193. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2025.2607193. Epub 2026 Jan 8. PMID: 41508374; PMCID: PMC12794696.
Keywords:
Atopic, Dermatitis, Linked, Increased, Risk, Osteoporosis, Fractures, Atopic dermatitis; cohort study; fracture; meta-analysis; osteoporosis, Liu H, Ru H, Yu P, Wei W, Wang S
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