Association of Childhood Atopic Dermatitis With Atopic and Nonatopic Multimorbidity

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the impact of multimorbidity in childhood atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective: We sought to determine the likelihood and predictors of chronic disease multimorbidity in childhood AD.

Methods: Data were examined for children (<18 years) in the 1996-2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, an annual, representative sample of United States households. Multimorbidity was assessed using Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Healthcare Utilization Project Chronic Comorbidity Indicator (HCUP-CCI) and frequency of atopic comorbidities.

Results: Young children with mild-moderate and severe AD, and adolescents with mild-moderate AD had higher CCI scores. Similarly, young children and adolescents with mild-moderate and severe AD had increased HCUP-CCI scores. Children with AD and atopic disease had higher CCI and HCUP-CCI scores than children with either alone. Young children and adolescents with mild-moderate and severe AD had more atopic comorbidities.

Conclusions: Pediatric AD is associated with increased atopic and non-atopic multimorbidity. Comorbid atopic disease may identify a subset of children with AD who particularly benefit from enhanced screening and management of multimorbidity.