Atopic Dermatitis Linked to Altered Growth Patterns in Children, Suggests Study
USA: A new study has shown that children aged 5-11 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) had lower height but higher weight and body mass index (BMI) compared with age- and sex-matched reference percentiles. The greatest reduction in height was observed among boys, suggesting that severe AD may be associated with altered growth patterns during childhood. The findings were reported by researchers led by Amy S. Paller from the Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, and colleagues.
The study, published in Pediatric Dermatology, examined whether the burden of moderate-to-severe AD may be associated with differences in physical growth among children. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that can impose a substantial disease burden, potentially affecting several aspects of a child's well-being and development.
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis of enrollment data from PEDISTAD, a global, real-world observational registry involving pediatric patients younger than 12 years with moderate-to-severe AD. Measurements of height, weight, and BMI were assessed and compared with growth references for the general population.
The following were the key findings:
- The analysis included 1,329 children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).
- Among children aged 5 to <12 years, height was below the 50th percentile in 72% of boys and 53% of girls.
- In the same age group, weight was above the 50th percentile in 56% of boys and 52% of girls.
- The combination of lower height and higher weight was associated with higher BMI values among children aged 5 to <12 years.
- Among children aged 0 to <5 years, height was above the 50th percentile in 59% of girls and 52% of boys.
- In this younger age group, weight was above the 50th percentile in 50% of girls and 42% of boys.
The findings suggest that moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) may be associated with altered growth, particularly among children aged 5 to <12 years, although the study cannot establish that AD directly causes reduced height or increased BMI.
The analysis used US CDC growth curves, which may not fully represent the international study population, as only 36.5% of participants were from North America. Since PEDISTAD data were collected at baseline, the study captured a snapshot rather than changes in growth over time.
Researchers also lacked information on factors such as parental height, dietary restrictions, and genetic influences that may affect growth. Overall, moderate-to-severe AD was associated with lower height and higher weight and BMI, with height differences more pronounced among boys. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine whether effective AD control could help normalize growth patterns.
Reference:
Paller, A. S., Irvine, A. D., Baselga, E., Siegfried, E. C., Cork, M. J., Ramien, M., Eichenfield, L. F., Adams, B., Gupta, R., Ardeleanu, M., & Zhang, A. Growth Assessment in Children Under 12 Years With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis Included in the PEDISTAD Observational Registry. Pediatric Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.70335
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