[Risk factors and allergic manifestations associated with atopic dermatitis in Lomé (Togo): a multicenter study of 476 children aged 0-15 years].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and document the risk factors and allergic reactions associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) in children in Lomé.

METHOD: This cross-sectional multicenter study took place from March to June 2013 in four health facilities in Lomé. It applied the criteria of the United Kingdom Working Party (UKWP).

RESULTS

We included 476 children aged 0-15 years who came for a vaccination or pediatric consultation; 31.3% were diagnosed with AD. The mean age of the children with AD was 33.91 ± 37 months, and the sex ratio (M/F) 0.96. In the univariate analysis, several risk factors and allergic reactions were significantly associated with AD including weaning, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis in infants, and prurigo. In the multivariate analysis, AD was associated with prurigo (aOR = 15.59, 95% CI = 7.54 to 32.21), allergic rhinitis (aOR = 7.51, 95% CI = 4.31 to 13.10), and food allergy (aOR = 5.32 95% CI = 1.20 to 23.48) were associated with AD.

CONCLUSION

AD is common in children in Lomé. Prurigo, allergic rhinitis and food allergy are allergic manifestations associated with it. These results deserve confirmation by a prospective study over a longer period.