Parental atopy and risk of atopic dermatitis in the first two years of life in the BASELINE birth cohort study

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) has a strong genetic basis. The objective of this study was to assess the association between parental atopy and AD development by 2 years. Methods: A secondary data analysis of the BASELINE Birth Cohort study was performed (n = 2183). Parental atopy was self-reported at 2 months. Infants were examined for AD by trained health care professionals at 6, 12, and 24 months. Variables extracted from the database related to skin barrier function, early skincare, parental atopy, and AD. Statistical analysis adjusted for potential confounding variables. Results: Complete data on AD status were available for 1505 children at 6, 12, and 24 months. Prevalence of AD was 18.6% at 6 months, 15.2% at 12 months, and 16.5% at 24 months. Adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) following multivariable analysis were 1.57 (1.09–2.25) at 6 months and 1.66 (1.12–2.46) at 12 months for maternal AD; 1.90 (1.28–2.83) at 6 months and 1.85 (1.20–2.85) at 24 months for paternal AD; 1.76 (1.21–2.56) at 6 months and 1.75 (1.16–2.63) at 12 months for maternal asthma; and 1.70 (1.19–2.45) at 6 months, 1.86 (1.26–2.76) at 12 months, and 1.99 (1.34–2.97) at 24 months for paternal asthma. Parental rhinitis was only associated with AD with maternal rhinitis at 24 months (aOR (95% CI): 1.79 (1.15–2.80)). Conclusion: Parental AD and asthma were associated with increased risk of objectively diagnosed AD in offspring in this contemporary cohort.