Atopic Dermatitis Linked to 27 Percent Higher Stroke Risk, Meta-Analysis Finds
China: A new meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Neurology has revealed a significant association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and an increased risk of stroke. Conducted by Dr. Hong Pan and colleagues from the Department of Internal Medicine, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, the study analyzed data from more than 14.5 million individuals and found that AD was associated with a 27% higher likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
The researchers aimed to clarify the possible link between AD and stroke, as earlier studies produced mixed findings. By reviewing and pooling evidence from 12 observational studies—including 8 cohort, 2 case–control, and three cross-sectional studies—the authors conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between AD and stroke risk.
Key Findings:
- The pooled odds ratio (OR) was 1.27, indicating a statistically significant association between atopic dermatitis and stroke.
- The risk was more pronounced in men, with an OR of 1.31.
- A stronger link was observed for ischemic stroke, with an OR of 1.14.
- Individuals with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis showed a higher risk of stroke.
- The findings highlight the importance of close cardiovascular monitoring in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.
The meta-analysis used data drawn from major medical databases including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to January 2025. A random-effects model was employed, and additional subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to confirm the robustness of the findings. These analyses helped to ensure that the observed association remained consistent across different study types, geographic locations, and patient characteristics.
While the study strengthens the evidence linking AD to stroke risk, it also underscores several limitations. Most of the data were derived from claims databases, which may be subject to coding errors or incomplete records. Additionally, significant heterogeneity (I² = 97%) was noted among the included studies, likely due to variations in AD diagnostic criteria, population demographics, and stroke classification methods.
The authors also pointed out that while the correlation between AD and ischemic stroke was apparent, evidence regarding hemorrhagic stroke remains inconclusive. Furthermore, only a few studies explored the association in women, necessitating caution when interpreting gender-specific risk differences.
Another concern was the varied age distribution among study populations, which limited the ability to draw firm conclusions regarding the impact of AD on stroke risk across different age groups. The research team emphasized the importance of future prospective studies that account for factors such as treatment status, comorbidities, lifestyle habits, and geographical variations to build a clearer picture of this relationship.
"The findings suggest that atopic dermatitis—especially when severe—should not be considered merely a skin condition but potentially a contributor to systemic health risks, including stroke. Increased vigilance and preventive strategies in individuals with AD could play a crucial role in mitigating long-term cerebrovascular complications," the authors concluded.
Reference:
Pan, H., Han, Q., Zeng, M., Wang, F., Xiong, Y., Wu, B., & Yu, H. (2025). Association between atopic dermatitis and risk of stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neurology, 16, 1630671. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2025.1630671
