A new meta-analysis published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology suggests an increased risk for vitiligo in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of seven observational studies (three cross-sectional, two case-control and two cohort; n=1,540,688) identified through a literature search on the PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases.
A random-effects meta-analysis of five studies showed a substantially higher prevalence of vitiligo in patients with AD compared with controls (OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.90-5.43). A subgroup analysis indicated that the association was significant for both adults (OR, 4.46; 95% CI, 1.65-12.07) and children (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.53-5.25). The pooled results of the two cohort studies showed a significantly higher risk for vitiligo in patients with AD (RR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.27-2.13).
According to the authors, these findings "could be important for early detection of the affected group so that timely management can be initiated and psychosocial impacts associated with these conditions can be properly addressed." They call for further research to investigate the common mechanisms underlying the two conditions.
