Eczema prevalence remained stable from infancy through adolescence in Danish cohort

A stable prevalence of eczema was observed in a Danish cohort studied from infancy through adolescence, according to research presented at the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology-World Allergy Organization World Allergy and Asthma Congress in Milan.

Researchers in Denmark conducted a prospective study of 276 infants (1-year birth cohort), who were randomly selected and followed at 1.5, 5, 10, 15, and 26 years of age with interviews, physical examinations and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing.

Follow-up rates were 100% at 1.5 years, 91% at 5 years, 80% at 10 years, 78% at 15 years and 70% at 26 years. Twelve-month period prevalence rate of eczema was 13% at 1.5 years of age, 9.2% at 5 years, 10.8% at 10 years, 9.8% at 15 years and 5.7% at 26 years. Cumulated prevalence of eczema through age 26 years was 23.5%.

Sensitization (IgE≥0.35 kU/l) to at least one allergen among participants with eczema was observed in 11.4%, 73.3%, 28.6%, 52.6% and 51.1% of cases at each respective follow-up.

“Eczema is often regarded as a disease of early childhood, but this study demonstrates an almost stable prevalence of the disease from early childhood up until adolescence,” the researchers concluded. “Sensitization in participants with eczema varied with age and may be important in terms of coexisting or future development of allergic respiratory disease.”

For more information:

Nissen SP. Abstract 339: The Natural Course of Eczema from Childhood to Adulthood in a Danish Birth Cohort. Presented at: EAACI-WAO World Allergy and Asthma Congress 2013; June 23-26, Milan.