A single centre study on prevalence of anemia in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis and its associated factors.

Introduction: Chronic inflammation, food avoidance, and the use of systemic immunosuppressants are associated with anemia in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia among children and adolescents with AD, the type of anemia, and its predisposing factors.

Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Patients aged ≤18 years with AD were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were malignancy, chronic organ failure, and haematological diseases. Dietary patterns and nutrient intake were determined using a 3-day dietary recall. AD severity was assessed using a scoring tool known as Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD). Peripheral blood counts, iron studies, and serum B12 and folate levels were determined.

Results: A total of 77 patients were recruited for this study. The mean age was 8.58±5.26 years with 43(55.8%) boys and 34(44.2%) girls. Most (58.4%) were from economic bottomtier households with incomes below RM4850. Food avoidance was common (55.8%), primarily for shellfish (37.7%), nuts (33.8%), and eggs (22.1%). The prevalence of anemia was 58.4%, and 71.1% was due to iron deficiency. Younger age, male sex, underweight, and lower intakes of iron, protein, and fat were significantly associated with anemia. There was no association between the severity with anemia.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in patients with AD was likely due to the lower intake of food restrictions compounded with chronic inflammation in AD.