Moderate-to-severe LRTI in infancy increases risk of developing atopic dermatitis

Key clinical point: Moderate-to-severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) before 18 months of age is a significant risk factor for developing atopic dermatitis (AD) in later childhood.

Major finding: The group of infants with moderate-severe vs. no or mild LRTI had significantly higher rates of AD at age 3 years (P = .001) and 5 years (P = .006) with moderate-to-severe vs. no LRTI in the first 18 months of life being significantly associated with increased odds of AD in later childhood (odds ratio [OR] 2.19; P < .001) independent of both-parent history of asthma and both-parent genetic predisposition.

Study details: Findings are from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) Cohort Study, comprising a longitudinal birth cohort of 3,272 parents and infants recruited during pregnancy and followed from birth onwards.

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Disclosures: This study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Allergy, Genes, and Environment Network of Centers of Excellence. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Medeleanu M et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2022 (Jan 16). Doi: 10.1016/j.jacig.2021.12.005