Adult Atopic Dermatitis and Metabolic Syndrome: A Case Controlled Study

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the commonest inflammatory skin disorder globally. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become a worldwide problem. Cases that have severe AD might have undiagnosed components of MetS. Objective: This study aimed to assess prevalence of MetS in adults with AD versus controls and its relationship to Atopic dermatitis Severity Patients and methods: This case-control study included 30 atopic dermatitis cases and 30 age- and sex-matched controls to evaluate prevalence of metabolic syndrome. All of the studied groups (cases & control) were subjected to careful history taking and full dermatologic examination. Lipid profile was also done. Results: A statistically significant higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome among atopic dermatitis cases than control group (40% & 16.7% respectively). A significant relationship was detected between presence of MetS and female sex. Atopic dermatitis score could be used as a good indictor in differentiating cases from control group (yielding sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 61.1%). Conclusion: This study added important epidemiologic evidence about the correlation between AD and MetS and its components. A statistically significant higher prevalence of MetS among atopic dermatitis patients than among control group (40% & 16.7% respectively). A statistically significant relationship was detected between presence of MetS and female sex was reported.