Atopic Dermatitis linked to increased risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, study finds

In a recent cohort study, researchers have uncovered a significant association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study, which analyzed data from The Health Improvement Network, a UK electronic medical record database, provides valuable insights into the link between these seemingly unrelated conditions.

Atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, has long been associated with various comorbidities. However, its relationship with IBD, which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), has remained inconsistent and poorly understood. This study aimed to clarify this connection by examining the risk of new-onset IBD, UC, and CD in both children and adults with AD.

The research, conducted from January 1, 1994, to February 28, 2015, involved a vast cohort of patients matched with controls of similar age and practice. The severity of AD was determined by treatment exposure, categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. The analysis revealed several key findings:

Increased Risk in Children: Children with AD exhibited a 44% increased risk of developing IBD, with a striking 74% increased risk of CD. The risk of UC was not significantly elevated in most cases, except for those with severe AD, who showed a 65% increased risk.

Risk in Adults: Adults with AD also faced elevated risks of IBD (34%), CD (36%), and UC (32%). Notably, the risk increased in line with the severity of AD.

Reference: Chiesa Fuxench ZC, Wan J, Wang S, et al. Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis. JAMA Dermatol. Published online August 30, 2023. DOI:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.2875