TITLE:
Indoor Exposure to Mould and Dampness in Infancy and Its Association to Persistent Atopic Dermatitis in School Age: Results from the Greek ISAAC II Study
AUTHORS:
Papadopoulou Athina, Mermiri Despina, Xatziagorou Elpida, Lambidi Stavroula, Cratziou Christina, Tsanakas Ioannis
KEYWORDS:
Persistent Atopic Dermatitis, Mould, Dampness, ISAAC II, Children
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.6 No.1,
March
11,
2016
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The presence of mould as a source of
perennial allergens and bacteria products has been related to the appearance of
respiratory symptoms in several studies. Yet, its role in eczema has not been
elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between
exposure to indoor visible molds/dampness and the manifestation of eczema in
children. Methods: The study is part of the
Greek contribution to ISAAC IΙ that includes 2023
students of randomly selected public primary schools in Athens and
Thessaloniki, aged 9 - 10 years old. The children represented a general population sample and were evaluated
according to ISAAC II questionnaire, validated for Greek language.
Additionally, skin prick tests to aero-allergens were performed and children
were examined for active skin lesions. Results: 13% had suffered from eczema in
the past, 9% had current and 2% had atopic eczema (positive at least one skin
prick test). Out of the children examined, half reported that eczema first
appeared after the age of five years old whereas 70% mentioned persistence of eczema. Dampness was reported in 10.8% and visible
mould in 6.4% of all cases during infancy, while continued exposure until the
age of 10 years old was reported in 38% and 33% out of them respectively. 10.8% of the sensitized children were positive to
house dust mites and Alternaria, however, sensitization was not related to
indoor exposure. In logistic regression analysis evaluating 20 environmental
risk factors, a significant association was noted between the presence of
indoor visible mold and dampness in infancy, and the presence of current eczema
OR 1, 89 (95%CI 1.18 - 3.03). This association remained significant
irrespective of the family history of eczema and sensitization. Conclusions:
Frequently eczema first appears at early school age. The presence of visible mold and dampness at home during infancy
appears to be an initial enhancing risk factor for the development but also for
the persistence of the disease throughout school age.