Real-world comorbidities of atopic dermatitis in the U.S. adult ambulatory population

Abstract Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a pruritic inflammatory skin disease associated with various comorbidities. However, comprehensive analyses of real-world comorbidities in adult AD patients are limited. Objective To characterize the real-world comorbidities associated with adult AD in an ambulatory population. Methods We queried the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to compare comorbidities in adult AD patients vs. age- and sex-matched controls. Results A total of 39,779 AD patients and 353,743 controls were identified. Increased odds of psychiatric conditions including anxiety (OR 1.44) and mood disorders (OR 1.31) were observed in AD. AD patients had higher likelihood of autoimmune diseases including vitiligo (OR 4.44) and alopecia areata (OR 6.01). Adult AD was also associated with infections including impetigo (OR 9.72), MRSA (OR 3.92), and cellulitis (OR 2.52). AD patients were more likely to have systemic conditions including lymphoid/hematopoietic malignancy (OR 1.91), atherosclerosis (OR 1.69), and metabolic syndrome (OR 1.47). For all the above, p Limitations Retrospective analysis of healthcare claims data Conclusions Adult AD is associated with various psychiatric and systemic comorbidities, emphasizing the systemic nature of AD and the need for collaborative management of these patients.