Risk for SARS-CoV-2 in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis Not Increased

SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and hospitalizations within 2 weeks of a SARS-CoV-2 test in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are not significantly increased from those without AD, according to a study published in British Journal of Dermatology.

“In this study, we aimed to compare rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization, and mortality among patients with or without AD in a California-based population,” wrote the study authors.

Researchers conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using the University of California COVID Research Data Set (UC CORDS) to gather information regarding SARS-CoV-2 testing, patient demographics, hospitalization, and mortality in patients with AD from March 1, 2020, to October 8, 2020.

Of the 269 299 patients tested, 5387 were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and had a 2.95% infection rate. The infection rate in patients without AD was 3.66% (P=.0063). Patients with AD taking systemic medications had infection rates comparable to those not taking medications. The hospitalization rate in patients with AD infected with SARS-CoV-2 was not significantly different from those without AD.

“Patients with AD did not have significantly increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, including those on immunomodulatory medications (prednisone or methotrexate),” concluded the study authors.

Reference

Nguyen C, Yale K, Casale F, et al. SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with atopic dermatitis: a cross-sectional study. Br J Dermatol. 2021;185(3):640-641. doi:10.1111/bjd.20435