Keyword: Algeria
1 result found.
Original Article
Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 2(5), 2026, ehdi051, https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/19085
ABSTRACT:
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense pruritus, xerosis, recurrent eczematous lesions, and impaired quality of life. Although AD is common in North Africa, data on its associated comorbidities in Algerian children remain scarce.
Objective: To characterize the clinical profile and associated comorbidities of pediatric atopic dermatitis in an Algerian cohort and to review current therapeutic advances.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study including 53 children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis according to the Hanifin and Rajka criteria at the Pediatric Dermatology Unit of the University Hospital of Oran, Algeria, between January 2025 and January 2026. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, allergic comorbidities, family history, and quality of life assessed using the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) were analyzed.
Results: Atopic dermatitis represented 4.42% of all dermatology consultations during the study period. The mean age was 6.7 years, with a female predominance. Familial atopy was the most frequent comorbidity (90.6%), followed by familial asthma (49.1%) and familial eczema (43.4%). Among personal allergic comorbidities, asthma affected 26.4%, allergic rhinitis 24.5%, and allergic conjunctivitis 11.3% of patients. Personal atopy was significantly associated with asthma (OR = 7.9, 95% CI: 2.46–25.46), food allergy (OR = 6.2, 95% CI: 2.30–17.10), allergic conjunctivitis (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.50–11.29), and allergic rhinitis (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.38–9.22). Quality of life was markedly affected, with sleep disturbances reported in 92.5% of patients, stress and anxiety in 50.9%, reduced daily activities in 34.0%, and school absenteeism in 32.1%.
Conclusion: Pediatric atopic dermatitis in this Algerian cohort was characterized by a high burden of allergic comorbidities, a strong familial atopic background, and a substantial impact on quality of life. Early recognition of associated conditions and timely multidisciplinary management are essential to improve patient outcomes and may help reduce progression along the atopic march.
Objective: To characterize the clinical profile and associated comorbidities of pediatric atopic dermatitis in an Algerian cohort and to review current therapeutic advances.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study including 53 children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis according to the Hanifin and Rajka criteria at the Pediatric Dermatology Unit of the University Hospital of Oran, Algeria, between January 2025 and January 2026. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, allergic comorbidities, family history, and quality of life assessed using the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) were analyzed.
Results: Atopic dermatitis represented 4.42% of all dermatology consultations during the study period. The mean age was 6.7 years, with a female predominance. Familial atopy was the most frequent comorbidity (90.6%), followed by familial asthma (49.1%) and familial eczema (43.4%). Among personal allergic comorbidities, asthma affected 26.4%, allergic rhinitis 24.5%, and allergic conjunctivitis 11.3% of patients. Personal atopy was significantly associated with asthma (OR = 7.9, 95% CI: 2.46–25.46), food allergy (OR = 6.2, 95% CI: 2.30–17.10), allergic conjunctivitis (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.50–11.29), and allergic rhinitis (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.38–9.22). Quality of life was markedly affected, with sleep disturbances reported in 92.5% of patients, stress and anxiety in 50.9%, reduced daily activities in 34.0%, and school absenteeism in 32.1%.
Conclusion: Pediatric atopic dermatitis in this Algerian cohort was characterized by a high burden of allergic comorbidities, a strong familial atopic background, and a substantial impact on quality of life. Early recognition of associated conditions and timely multidisciplinary management are essential to improve patient outcomes and may help reduce progression along the atopic march.
