Tape test predicts eczema risk in babies, discovers Copenhagen-based researchers

07 Sep 2022 --- Analyzing immune biomarkers via a painless tape has been found to predict the chances of newborns developing pediatric atopic eczema, commonly experienced by babies. The discovery opens the door to research aimed at preventing the disease.

“Our findings of predictive skin biomarkers collected at two months of age will help identify children at highest risk of atopic eczema using a non-invasive and painless method, so future preventive strategies can target these children only and prevent cases of this common disease,” Dr. Anne-Sofie Halling, first author and co-researcher at the Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, tells PersonalCareInsights.

Reportedly, the test is the first to show that non-invasively collected skin biomarkers can predict the development of pediatric atopic eczema.

The study examined 450 babies (300 term and 150 preterm newborns) for their skin barrier and immune biomarkers, and whether this could predict the development of eczema during the first two years of life. It was funded by Lundbeck Foundation and led by Prof. Jacob Thyssen at Bispebjerg Hospital.

Higher TARC was found to correlate with higher eczema severity.

“Window of opportunity”
Two-month-old term and preterm babies with high levels of TARC (Thymus and Activation-Regulated Chemokine) are twice as likely to develop eczema by two years of age, according to the researchers. Moreover, a higher TARC was found to correlate with higher eczema severity.

Furthermore, biomarkers interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-18 were also associated with moderate-to-severe eczema in the study.

“The test can help us to identify skin changes that occur before the development of eczema, particularly for the most severe forms of the disease. This provides a window of opportunity to develop targeted trials and prevent cases of eczema from occurring,” shares Halling.

“One recent Irish clinical trial (STOP AD trial) found that daily application of emollients during the first 8 weeks of life in children with a family history of eczema, asthma or rhinitis significantly decreased the incidence of atopic eczema.”

“Atopic eczema is caused by a complex interplay between a skin barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation, but the exact mechanism remains unknown.”

Skin cells were collected from the back of babies’ hands at zero to three days and two months in term children and from the skin between the shoulder blades at two months of age in preterm children. The babies were followed up for two years.

Preventative potential
Eczema affects up to 20% of the pediatric population and continues to rise. Additionally, 60% of children with the disease are predisposed to develop at least one atopic comorbidities, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis or food allergies.The study will help investigate and create future preventative strategies for children with elevated TARC levels.

“Atopic eczema has a high disease burden due to the intense pruritus, sleep deprivation and visible skin lesions. The disease is also associated with poor school performance, other allergic diseases e.g. food allergy, asthma and rhinitis and psychiatric diseases e.g. ADHD, anxiety and depression,” adds Halling.

The study intends to create future preventative strategies for children with high TARC levels to stop the development of the disease.

“Children with atopic eczema are treated with application of emollients twice daily, however, in many cases this is not sufficient and then they are also treated with topical anti-inflammatory therapies. In severe cases of atopic eczema systemic medication is also sometimes needed to control the eczema,” she continues.

Symptoms of eczema include dry, red, cracked and itchy skin, which can weep, bleed and become infected. This causes distress and sleep disturbance in children.

The study was presented at the 31st European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress.

Zeroing in on eczema
Research from Latvia-based universities verified the theory that natural skincare products can help individuals with atopic dermatitis by easing their symptoms and improving their psychosocial well-being. Regarding visual aspects, the study participants reported improved skin swelling and a reduced burning or heat sensation.

Moreover, a National Institute for Health and Care Research funded study found that no one type of moisturizer is superior to another in treating eczema in children. The study has been pegged as the “first of its kind in the world” to compare different types of moisturizers. The findings emphasize the significance of patient education and choice when determining which moisturizers to use for children with eczema.

By Venya Patel

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