A Retrospective study on the Epidemiologic patterns of Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Introduction: A rising trend in Atopic Dermatitis (AD) has been observed in India in last four decades. Changes in environmental pollutants, breast feeding pattern, increased awareness, and urbanization are some of the reasons cited for this change. This study has been undertaken here to assess the various clinical patterns of AD in this region by studying the clinical and immunological profile of AD and tried to correlate with severity of atopic dermatitis among the subjects. Methods: This was a Retrospective study of 200 diagnosed cases of Atopic Dermatitis attending OPDs / Emergencies / Admission in Wards. Information on each patient selected were carefully obtained by an in depth study of the patients’ case notes (folder), which contain the house officer’s detailed clerking at patient’s presentation to clinic, casualty or referral before admission to the wards. Results: Family history was present in 42% of subjects. 173 (86.5%) had history of relapse. 182 (91%) patients had onset before 5 years of age. Mean age at onset was about 8.3 months. . Infantile AD had statistically significant higher SCORAD Index score. One hundred and thirty (98%) patients presented with complain of itching /pruritus. 64.5% (129) patients had high AEC. Patients with high AEC had statistically significant higher SCORAD Index score. 67.5% (135) patients had increased total serum immunoglobulin E (TsIgE). On ANOVA analysis of the TsIgE, severe AD had statistically significant high AEC. High TsIgE had statistically significant higher SCORAD Index score. Conclusions: The prevalence of AD is considered to be increasing, This study identified that both AEC and TsIgE increased significantly. This study throws light upon epidemiological data and various clinical patterns of atopic dermatitis. The load / Magnitude of atopic dermatitis remains low in this region compared to developed countries and disease manifestation is mild in Indian patients, hence vigilant eyes, elaborated detailed history and examination are required for accurate diagnosis and efficient management of AD in Indian setting. However to confirm our findings, larger population study in future is needed.