In Brief | Infectious Diseases, Vaccines & Antimicrobials | Paedeatrics & Neonatology
Time to read: 02:38
Time to listen: 06:24
Originally Published: 28 September 2024
Sourced: European Journal of Paediatrics
Type of article: In Brief
MedED Catalogue Reference: MPIB0015
Category: Infectious Diseases, Vaccines & Antimicrobials
Cross Reference: Paediatrics & Neonatology, Respiratory Diseases, Dermatology
Keywords: atopic dermatitis, asthma, cortico-steroid use, paeditrics neonates
Originally published in The European Journal of Paediatrics 28 September 2024 This summary does not represent the original research, nor is it intended to replace the original research. Access the full Disclaimer Information
The study reviewed the data from 11,255 children born in Southwest Finland between 2008 and 2010.
- 592 (5.3%) received empirical antibiotics (median duration: 2 days)
- 663 (5.9%) received antibiotics for confirmed or clinically diagnosed infection (median duration: 7 days)
- 1,777 children (15.8%) received antibiotics after the neonatal period but before 6 months
After adjusting for confounding factors, neonatal antibiotic exposure due to confirmed infection was associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis (OR 1.49).
Empirical antibiotic treatment showed no significant association.
Early antibiotic exposure before six months was also linked to a higher risk of atopic dermatitis (OR 1.38).
No difference in neonatal antibiotic exposure was found between children who developed asthma and those who did not.
However, antibiotic exposure after the neonatal period but before six months was associated with a higher cumulative incidence of childhood asthma (OR 1.56).
Neonatal antibiotic exposure was not associated with inhaled corticosteroid use.
Antibiotic exposure before six months was more common in children who later required inhaled corticosteroids, with a significant association (OR 1.88).
CRP levels were higher in neonates with confirmed infections compared to those not exposed to antibiotics or with empirical antibiotics ruled out.
However, maximum CRP concentrations were not associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis, asthma, or inhaled corticosteroid use later in childhood.
Exposure to antibiotics both in the neonatal period and before six months was more common in children who developed asthma and required inhaled corticosteroid therapy.
Additionally, use during the first six months of life is associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and inhaled corticosteroid use later in childhood. Further research is required to determine the causal mechanisms underlying the associations.
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