Clinical features of atopic dermatitis at two years of age: A prospective,population-based case-control study

While atopic dermatitis (AD) usually presents early in life, few prospectiv e studies focus on young children with AD. The objective of this study was to characterize, phenotypically and prospectively, young children with AD. From a community birth cohort of 2,256 children, consecutive children with AD (n=221) were followed to 2 years of age, when they were re-examined and screened for atopic sensitization (skin-prick test to foods; Phadiatop (R)) . Ninety-nine controls were also examined. AD debuted during the first year in 88% of cases. At the 2-year examination, when the children had already undergone topical treatment, 157/221 (71%) had ongoing eczema ranging among mild (45%), moderate (53%) and severe (2%). Airway problems indicating ast hma had occurred in TA of cases and 6% of controls (not significant), and a llergic rhinoconjunctivitis in 5% and 0%, respectively (p <0.05). The skin- prick test to common food allergens was positive in 27% of cases and Phadia top was positive in 15%. In 67% both tests were negative. Eczema severity d id not differ between sensitized and non-sensitized children. Positive Phad iatop was more common in boys than in girls with ongoing AD (22% vs 3%, p < 0.01), and more boys than girls had ongoing AD (82% vs 59%, p <0.001); othe rwise, no differences attributable to gender were found.