An evaluation of characteristics and concomitant allergic diseases in children with atopic dermatitis

Objective: The aims of the study were to evaluate the characteristics of children with atopic dermatitis and presence of concurrent atopic diseases among these patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eightyone patients followed-up with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis were evaluated. The age of the patients ranged from 2 months to 13 years and 70.2% were male. Of these patients, 146 had been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, 29 with atopic dermatitis and asthma, and 6 with atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. Results: Of the patients 37.6% were found to have allergic sensitization by skin prick test. The IgE level and eosinophil count of the sensitized group were higher (p: < 0.001, 0.002; respectively). The rate of concurrent asthma or rhinitis in the sensitized group was 38.2%, while it was 8% in the group without sensitization (p: < 0.001). Conclusion: The most important factors affecting sensitization were high IgE levels and eosinophilia. In the presence of sensitization, asthma or rhinitis development is more common. More cohort studies are needed to unravel the factors associated with development of asthma in children with atopic dermatitis.