Does age influence the quality of life in children with atopic dermatitis?

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common childhood skin diseases that can affect the quality of life (QoL) of children. The QoL of Montenegrin children with AD has not been sufficiently explored. The aim of this study was to assess their QoL with special emphasize on age differences. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included children with AD seen at the Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology, Clinical Center of Montenegro (CCM) in Podgorica between August 2017 and July 2018. The QoL was assessed with the Infants’ Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQOL) and the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI). Disease severity was measured by the Three Item Severity (TIS) score. RESULTS: A total of 386 children with AD aged from newborn to 16 years took part in this study. The mean total score of the QoL was 14.7 in infants (0–4 years old), 19.4 in younger children (5–9 years old), and 16.6 in older children (10–16 years old). Age was in negative correlation with the CDLQI score, leisure domain of the CDLQI and CDLQI sleep, and in positive correlation with the IDQOL child mood. TIS score was in positive correlation with both the IDQOL and CDLQI score. CONCLUSIONS: The QoL measured by CDLQI was more impaired in younger children, whilst IDQOL child mood was more impaired in older infants. The most impaired QoL was seen in children in the age group 5–9 years. Regardless of disease severity, treatment and counseling of children suffering from AD should be tailored specifically to their age.