Prevalence of type 2 inflammatory diseases in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis: Real-world evidence.

BACKGROUND

Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are considered at increased risk of developing other type 2 inflammatory diseases. However, real-world evidence based on large commercially insured pediatric populations in the United States is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To use a large claims database (IBM MarketScan 2013-2017) in the United States to assess prevalence and incidence of type 2 inflammatory diseases in pediatric patients with AD.

METHODS

Pediatric patients with AD were matched 1:1 to patients without AD. Prevalence was assessed for conjunctivitis, rhinitis, urticaria, asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis/nasal polyps at the 12 months' post-index date (the first AD diagnosis date for patients with AD; a randomly selected outpatient visit for control patients). The incidence of other type 2 inflammatory diseases post-index was assessed among patients 0-2 years of age.

RESULTS

A total of 244,776 AD and matched non-AD patients were selected. The prevalence and incidence of type 2 inflammatory diseases were higher among patients with AD. Overall, the prevalence more than doubled for asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, urticaria, and rhinitis, and increased with AD severity.

LIMITATIONS

AD identification was based on billing diagnoses; the observation period was only 12 months; and the study was limited to commercially insured patients.

CONCLUSION

The burden of type 2 inflammatory diseases in pediatric patients with AD is substantial, highlighting the need to optimize management of AD and its numerous associated morbidities.