A systematic review and meta-analysis of the regional and age-related differences of atopic dermatitis clinical characteristics

Publication date: Available online 1 October 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Yik Weng Yew, Jacob P. Thyssen, Jonathan I. Silverberg

Abstract

Background

Previous studies found conflicting results about the commonality of different atopic dermatitis (AD) signs and symptoms.

Objective

To determine the prevalences of AD characteristics and differences by region and age.

Methods

A systematic review was performed of all published studies in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, LILACS, Cochrane, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Taiwan electronic periodical services and CiNii that analyzed the proportion of AD characteristics. Two reviewers performed study title/abstract review and data abstraction.

Results

One hundred and one studies reported proportion of AD features with sufficient data for meta-analysis. The most prevalent AD features were pruritus, lichenification and xerosis. There were differences of AD characteristics by study region. Flexural involvement was less commonly reported in India, America and Iran. East Asian studies reported more erythroderma, truncal, extensor, scalp and auricular involvement. Southeast Asian studies reported more exudative eczema, truncal involvement, lichenification and prurigo nodules. Studies from Iran reported more head, face and neck involvement, pityriasis alba, and xerosis. Studies from Africa reported more papular lichenoid lesions, palmar hyperlinearity, ichthyosis and orbital darkening.

Limitations

Heterogeneity between studies and limited reporting of certain AD clinical characteristics.

Conclusions

AD characteristics are heterogeneous and vary by region and age.

https://ift.tt/2Ix4MRp