The effect of age at the time of diagnosis in atopic dermatitis on development of additional allergic disease

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of age at the time of diagnosis on the development of additional allergic diseases and aeroallergen sensitivity in pediatric patients with a diagnosis of AD. Material and Method: The study includes 114 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis according to Hanifin and Rajka criteria. After all patients were divided into two groups according to age at the time of diagnosis as less than 24 months and more than 24 months, total serum IgE, inhalant spesific IgE, ECP levels and skin prick tests were made. The additional allergic diseases developed during the follow-up were recorded. Results: 90 patients (78.9%) were under 24 months of age, 24 (21.1%) patients were over 24 months of age according to age at the time of diagnosis. In our study group, mean age at the time of diagnosis was 14.0 +/- 21.4 months, the duration for the development of additional allergic disease was 23.8 +/- 22.3 months and mean follow-up duration was 58.7 +/- 41.2 months (min.8 months - max. 180 months; median 50.5 months). In the group who were under 24 months of age at the time of diagnosis, a significant difference was determined for the development of asthma in the future (p=0.042). Conclusions: To prevent the allergic process in cases in whom atopic dermatitis findings start at an early age, the families should be warned about the allergic diseases associated with the respiratory system and should protect their children from the inhalant allergens. (Turk Arch Ped 2011; 46: 308-12)