An association of periostin levels with the severity and chronicity of atopic dermatitis in children

BackgroundSerum periostin might be a biomarker in the pathogenesis of T helper 2-type allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum periostin levels and the severity and chronicity of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. MethodsThis population-based study examined 4076 children aged 4 to 13years between June 2015 and July 2015. Of the 4076 children, 196137 with a history of AD in the AD group and 59 without allergic diseases history in the healthy control (HC) groupwere included for the final analysis. ResultsSerum periostin levels were higher in the AD group than in the HC group (P<.001) and were found to be positively associated with SCORAD score (Spearman's rho [r]=.24, P=.001). Children with AD-onset time <2years had significantly higher periostin levels (P=.030) compared to those with AD-onset time 2years. The total eosinophil (P=.189) and IgE levels (P=.140) were comparable between children with AD-onset time <2years and those with AD-onset time 2years. After adjustment for age, gender, and parental allergic history, serum periostin level (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.06, P=.046) contributed to the development of AD in children with AD-onset time <2years. ConclusionSerum periostin level may play a role in the severity and chronicity of AD in children.