The association between atopic dermatitis and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in children: Influence of sun exposure, diet, and atopy features-A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have linked low serum vitamin D (VD) or 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with increased severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between serum VD (25(OH)D) levels and AD and AD severity, considering the influence of diet and sun exposure. METHODS: We performed a prospective cross-sectional study of healthy controls and children diagnosed with AD. Participants were recruited between January 2011 and December 2012, and the following parameters were assessed: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), AD severity, Fitzpatrick skin type, asthma and rhinitis history, dietary VD intake, daily potential sun-induced VD production, sunscreen use, 25(OH)D and IgE serum levels, and results of the ImmunoCAP Phadiatop Infant test. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 105 healthy controls and 134 AD patients. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in moderate and severe AD than in mild AD, although this association was only significant for patients with light Fitzpatrick skin type (mean(SD) 36.7 (11.9) ng/mL; moderate 28.8 [11.5] ng/mL; and severe 27.6 [12.1] ng/mL, P = .045). Logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between severe AD and both positive ImmunoCAP Phadiatop test and BMI. CONCLUSION: Our data support an association between VD deficiency and AD severity only in patients with light complexion.

Body mass index and serum lipid profile: Association with atopic dermatitis in a paediatric population.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The association between atopic dermatitis, body weight and serum lipid levels is not well known, and very few studies have examined this relationship in children. METHODS: Children (n = 239) under 14 years old participated in this prospective cross-sectional study. The following variables were recorded: age, gender, weight, height, atopic dermatitis severity, serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. RESULTS: Mean body mass index was slightly higher in atopic dermatitis patients than healthy controls and significantly higher in atopic dermatitis patients aged 0-2 years (atopic dermatitis, 16.7 ± 4.6; controls, 15.7 ± 1.3; P = 0.04) and 12-14 years (atopic dermatitis, 24.9 ± 5.3; controls, 20.6 ± 3.4; P = 0.03). Among atopic dermatitis patients, body mass index was significantly higher in those with severe atopic dermatitis in the 9-12 (P = 0.03) and 12-14 (P = 0.01) years groups. Mean serum lipid levels were higher in patients with severe atopic dermatitis than in the atopic dermatitis group as a whole. These differences reached statistical significance for total cholesterol (P = 0.04) and triglycerides (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of overweight, obesity and dyslipidemia is greater in children with atopic dermatitis than in age-matched healthy counterparts.