Associations Between Eczema and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children

Associations Between Eczema and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children

Frontiers in Pediatrics

10.3389/fped.2022.837741

http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.837741

Evelyn Xiu Ling Loo, Delicia Shu Qin Ooi, Minyee Ong, Le Duc Huy Ta, Hui Xing Lau, Michelle Jia Yu Tay, Qai Ven Yap, Yiong Huak Chan, Elizabeth Huiwen Tham, Anne Eng Neo Goh, Hugo Van Bever, Oon Hoe Teoh, Johan Gunnar Eriksson, Yap Seng Chong, Peter Gluckman, Fabian Kok Peng Yap, Neerja Karnani, Jia Xu, Karen Mei Ling Tan, Kok Hian Tan, Bee Wah Lee, Michael Kramer, Lynette Pei-chi Shek, Michael J. Meaney, Birit F. P. Broekman

30 March 2022

Loo, E. X. L., Ooi, D. S. Q., Ong, M., Ta, L. D. H., Lau, H. X., Tay, M. J. Y., Yap, Q. V., Chan, Y. H., Tham, E. H., Goh, A. E. N., Van Bever, H., Teoh, O. H., Eriksson, J. G., Chong, Y. S., Gluckman, P., Yap, F. K. P., Karnani, N., Xu, J., Tan, K. M. L., … Broekman, B. F. P. (2022). Associations Between Eczema and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.837741

BackgroundEpidemiological studies suggest a link between eczema and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but underlying mechanisms have not been examined.ObjectiveWe aim to investigate the association between eczema and subsequent ADHD symptoms in the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes cohort and explore the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines and gut microbiome.MethodsThe modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV were administered to assess reported eczema within the first 18 months and presence of ADHD symptoms at 54 months, respectively. Skin prick testing at 18 months, cytokines in maternal blood during pregnancy and cord blood and the mediating role of the gut microbiome at 24 months were assessed.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders, eczema with or without a positive skin prick test was associated with doubling the risk of ADHD symptoms. No differences in maternal and cord blood cytokines were observed in children with and without eczema, or children with and without ADHD. Gut microbiome dysbiosis was observed in children with eczema and children with ADHD. Children with eczema also had lower gut bacterial Shannon diversity. However, the relationship between eczema and ADHD was not mediated by gut microbiome.ConclusionEarly life eczema diagnosis is associated with a higher risk of subsequent ADHD symptoms in children. We found no evidence for underlying inflammatory mechanism or mediation by gut microbiome dysbiosis. Further research should evaluate other mechanisms underlying the link between eczema and ADHD.Clinical Trial Registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01174875], identifier [NCT01174875].

Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

This research / project is supported by the National Medical Research Council - Translational and Clinical Research (TCR) Flagship Program
Grant Reference no. : NMRC/TCR/004-NUS/2008

This research / project is supported by the National Medical Research Council - Translational and Clinical Research (TCR) Flagship Program
Grant Reference no. : NMRC/TCR/012-NUHS/2014

This research is supported by core funding from: Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences
Grant Reference no. : NA

This research / project is supported by the National Medical Research Council - Transition Award grant
Grant Reference no. : MOH-TA18nov-003

https://oar.a-star.edu.sg/communities-collections/articles/19933

2296-2360

Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences

https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.837741