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

Background: Serum 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. Methods: This population-based study examined 4076 children aged 4 to 13 years between June 2015 and July 2015. Of the 4076 children, 196—137 with a history of AD in the AD group and 59 without allergic diseases history in the healthy control (HC) group—were included for the final analysis. Results: Serum 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 <2 years had significantly higher periostin levels (P=.030) compared to those with AD-onset time ≥2 years. The total eosinophil (P=.189) and IgE levels (P=.140) were comparable between children with AD-onset time <2 years and those with AD-onset time ≥2 years. 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 <2 years. Conclusion: Serum periostin level may play a role in the severity and chronicity of AD in children.