Association of very preterm birth with decreased risk of eczema: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating studies suggest that an association exists between preterm birth and eczema.

OBJECTIVE: We performed a meta-analysis of the available evidence to determine whether the risk of developing eczema is affected by preterm birth.

METHODS: We searched for observational studies using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases from inception to February 1, 2017. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Unadjusted and adjusted effect estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the robustness of associations.

RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included in this study. Compared with full-term birth, very preterm birth had a lower risk of eczema in unadjusted (relative risk [RR] 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.85) and adjusted (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.68-0.86) analyses. The risk became insignificant among children born moderate preterm (unadjusted RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77-1.00; adjusted RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.73-1.01).

LIMITATIONS: The included studies used different assessments of eczema, and gestational age varied among studies.

CONCLUSION: The available evidence suggests an association between very preterm birth and a decreased risk of eczema.