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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Kids with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) are shorter and heavier than their peers, according to a new global study. Boys aged 5–11 were hit hardest, with 72% falling below the CDC's 50th percentile for height. Researchers say the findings suggest AD may interfere with normal growth, though more studies are needed to confirm the link.
A new global study has found that children aged 5–11 with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) tend to be shorter and have higher BMIs compared to standard growth references. The research, published in Pediatric Dermatology, drew on data from the PEDISTAD registry — a real-world observational study spanning 106 sites across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa — and included 1,329 children under age 12.
Boys bore the brunt of the height gap: 72% of boys aged 5–11 fell below the CDC 50th percentile for height, compared to 53% of girls. Meanwhile, BMI trended upward with age, approaching the 75th percentile by ages 10–11, suggesting the weight disparity worsens over time. Notably, these growth differences weren't tied to disease severity scores, sleep disturbance, or corticosteroid use.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: If AD is genuinely disrupting normal childhood growth, early and effective disease control could be key to preserving healthy development — a question researchers say warrants urgent follow-up.
