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Atopic dermatitis associated with extracutaneous infections

Extracutaneous infections, particularly ear infections, strep throat and urinary tract infections, have an increased likelihood in patients with atopic dermatitis, according to a literature review.

Linda Serrano, MD, and colleagues from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, reviewed all published observational studies that included controls and evaluated the relationship between atopic dermatitis and bacterial infections.

Seven studies, published between 1994 and 2018, were included in the analysis.

Atopic dermatitis in children and adults was associated with a higher prevalence and odds of ear infection (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.16-1.43), strep throat (OR = 2.31; 95% CI, 1.66-3.22) and UTI (OR = 2.31; 95% CI, 1.66-3.22) compared with controls, but there was no difference for pneumonia (OR = 1.72; 95% CI, 0.75-3.98).

The researchers identified a higher prevalence of numerous extracutaneous infections across multiple studies.

“Remarkably, AD was associated with a significantly higher odds of infectious endocarditis in two studies, which is consistent with previous case reports suggesting a connection between endocarditis and AD,” they wrote.

Topical or oral antibiotics for atopic dermatitis without infections may contribute to higher rates of antibiotic-resistant organisms, the researchers added.

Moreover, some of the studies suggested that atopic dermatitis may be associated with potentially life-threatening infections, such as endocarditis, meningitis and septicemia. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.