Prevalence of and risk factors for atopic dermatitis: A birth cohort study of infants in southeast Turkey.

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is most common in the first year of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for AD in a birth cohort of infants from southeast Turkey.

METHODS

Adana Paediatric Allergy Research (ADAPAR) birth cohort study was derived from 1377 infants who were born in Cukurova University, Medical Hospital, Adana, Turkey between February 2010 and February 2011. At birth, a physical examination was performed, cord blood samples were taken, and the mother completed a baseline questionnaire that provided data on gestational conditions, family history of allergic diseases and environmental exposures. Follow-up visits scheduled at 3, 6, and 12 months included an infant physical examination and an extended questionnaire. Skin prick test was performed and food-specific IgE levels were measured at 6 and 12 months. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed based on confirmatory examination by a physician.

RESULTS

Of the 1377 infants enrolled, 59 (4.3%) were diagnosed with AD as of 12 months. Maternal allergic disease (ORs 6.28, 95% CI 1.03-38.30; p=0.046), maternal infection during gestation (ORs 3.73, 95% CI 1.25-11.09; p=0.018), and presence of food allergy (ORs 13.7, 95% CI 3.07-61.0; p=0.001) were identified as risk factors for AD. Breastfeeding and cord blood IgE levels were not identified as risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort we found prevalence of AD as 4.3% during the first year of life. Positive family history of atopic diseases, prenatal infections and presence of food allergy are the risk factors for early presentation of AD.