The Relationship between Eczema and Asthma Control among Atopic and Non-atopic Patients

Abstract

Rationale: There are few previous studies exploring the relationship between eczema and asthma status in the context of atopy. The purpose of this study is to investigate this relationship in a region with a high prevalence of asthma, within the New York City borough of the Bronx. Methods: We reviewed 120 charts of asthma patients at Montefiore’s Asthma Center (MAC) at their initial evaluation and last evaluation, with asthma severity assessed by Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores. Patient criteria for atopy included 1 positive skin prick test and/or positive specific immunoglobulin E test, and eczema status was determined by the presence of eczema history at the time of patients’ initial evaluation. Demographic factors including BMI and healthcare utilization were also assessed. Linear regression and t-tests were used for analyses. Results: We observed no significant association between eczema status and baseline ACT scores in a high-risk population (p = 0.1364). However, significant improvements in ACT scores from baseline to the last visit were observed in both eczema (p < 0.0001) and atopic patients (p < 0.0001). No significant change in ACT scores was noted in non-atopic patients. Conclusions: There appears to be an association between eczema and asthma status in the context of atopy. The findings demonstrate that early identification and management of eczema within this context are vital for adequate asthma control. Further understanding of this relationship can aid in providing tailored treatment strategies to treat both diseases, optimizing health care outcomes and improving quality of life for affected individuals.