Growth impairment in infants with eczema precedes the development of the condition

What is it about?

Infants with eczema have an increased risk of impaired growth, but the origin of this remains unclear. The aim of the current study was to examine growth patterns in infants with eczema, starting during pregnancy prior to the condition becoming evident. Within the UK Southampton Women’s Survey, 1759 infants had size measurements during pregnancy, birth and ages 6 and 12 months, combined with an assessment for eczema at ages 6 and/or 12 months. Infants with eczema demonstrated altered patterns of growth during pregnancy, including impaired length growth starting in early pregnancy, prior to eczema becoming evident.

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Why is it important?

The findings suggest that growth is impaired prior to the start of the disease process and its treatment, and point to important influences acting during pregnancy on this common skin condition