Prevalence of atopic dermatitis increased between 1986 and 2001

The study compared the prevalence of AD in 2 random samples of Danish children in 1986 and 2001. A total of 527 and 480 subjects participated in 1986 and 2001, respectively.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) was defined as a postive response to the question “Do you have, or have you ever had, significant and recurrent episodes of eczema in the folds of your elbows or knees?”

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) measurements, skin-prick tests, and airway responsiveness tests were performed. Elevated IgE, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and rhinitis were predictors of AD, thus supporting the idea of the atopic triad.

The prevalence of AD increased from 17.3% in 1986 to 27.3% in 2001.

References:
Change in prevalence of atopic dermatitis between 1986 and 2001 among children. Stensen, Lise; Thomsen, Simon F.; Backer, Vibeke. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 29, Number 4, 7/8 2008 , pp. 392-396(5).
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