Key clinical point: Children born by cesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery are at a greater risk of developing atopic dermatitis (AD) compared with those born by uncomplicated vaginal delivery.
Major finding: Children aged <1 year born by instrumental vaginal delivery (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.10; 95% CI 1.07-1.13 ), emergency cesarean section (aHR 1.12; 95% CI 1.10-1.15 ), and elective caesarean section (aHR 1.13; 95% CI 1.10-1.16 ) were at a higher risk for AD compared with those born by uncomplicated vaginal delivery, with the risk being similar in children aged ≥1 year.
Study details: This prospective population-based study included 1,399,406 children aged ≤5 years with available information on the mode of delivery and mother's identity .
Disclosures: This study was supported by the Swedish Research Council, Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, and Stiftelsen Frimurare Barnhuset i Stockholm. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
Source: Mubanga M et al. Mode of delivery and offspring atopic dermatitis in a Swedish nationwide study. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2023;34(1):e13904 (Jan 11). Doi: 10.1111/pai.13904