Atopic dermatitis is not associated with SARS-CoV-2 outcomes

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by immune dysregulation, which may predispose toward worse COVID-19 outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the relationship of atopic dermatitis with COVID-19 symptom severity, hospitalization, length of hospital stay, requirement for oxygen therapy, long-term morbidity and mortality. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine the impact of atopic dermatitis (independent variable) on COVID-19 symptom severity, hospitalization, length of hospital stay, requirement for oxygen therapy, long-term morbidity and mortality (dependent variables). SARS-CoV-2 positive adult patients with diagnosed AD had similar odds of hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.51 [0.20–1.35]), acute level of care at initial medical care (0.67 [0.35–1.30]), severe-critical SARS-CoV-2 (0.82 [0.29–2.30]), requirement of supplemental non-mechanical oxygen therapy (1.33 [0.50–3.58]), extended hospital stay (2.24 [0.36–13.85]), lingering COVID-19 symptoms (0.58 [0.06–5.31]) and COVID-19 death (0.002 [< 0.001– > 999]) compared to patients without AD. Our findings suggest AD is not an independent risk factor for COVID-19 severity or complications.