Background/Objectives The association between atopic dermatitis, body weight and serum lipid levels is not well known, and very few studies have examined this relationship in children. Methods Children (n = 239) under 14 years old participated in this prospective cross‐sectional study. The following variables were recorded: age, gender, weight, height, atopic dermatitis severity, serum levels of total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Results Mean body mass index was slightly higher in atopic dermatitis patients than healthy controls and significantly higher in atopic dermatitis patients aged 0–2 years (atopic dermatitis, 16.7 ± 4.6; controls, 15.7 ± 1.3; P = 0.04) and 12–14 years (atopic dermatitis, 24.9 ± 5.3; controls, 20.6 ± 3.4; P = 0.03). Among atopic dermatitis patients, body mass index was significantly higher in those with severe atopic dermatitis in the 9–12 (P = 0.03) and 12–14 (P = 0.01) years groups. Mean serum lipid levels were higher in patients with severe atopic dermatitis than in the atopic dermatitis group as a whole. These differences reached statistical significance for total cholesterol (P = 0.04) and triglycerides (P = 0.02). Conclusion The prevalence of overweight, obesity and dyslipidemia is greater in children with atopic dermatitis than in age‐matched healthy counterparts.

Background Previous studies have linked low serum vitamin D (VD) or 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with increased severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Objective To investigate the association between serum VD (25(OH)D) levels and AD and AD severity, considering the influence of diet and sun exposure. Methods We performed a prospective cross‐sectional study of healthy controls and children diagnosed with AD. Participants were recruited between January 2011 and December 2012, and the following parameters were assessed: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), AD severity, Fitzpatrick skin type, asthma and rhinitis history, dietary VD intake, daily potential sun‐induced VD production, sunscreen use, 25(OH)D and IgE serum levels, and results of the ImmunoCAP Phadiatop Infant test. Results The study population consisted of 105 healthy controls and 134 AD patients. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in moderate and severe AD than in mild AD, although this association was only significant for patients with light Fitzpatrick skin type (mean(SD) 36.7 (11.9) ng/mL; moderate 28.8 [11.5] ng/mL; and severe 27.6 [12.1] ng/mL, P = .045). Logistic regression analysis revealed a positive association between severe AD and both positive ImmunoCAP Phadiatop test and BMI. Conclusion Our data support an association between VD deficiency and AD severity only in patients with light complexion.

Introduction: Despite effective treatments, asthma outcomes remain suboptimal. Interest exists in herbal remedies. Aims: To evaluate AKL 1, an herbal mixture, in a randomised double blinded placebo controlled cross-over trial. Methods: 32 asthmatics (8 male, median (range) age 40.5 (22-73) yrs., median (range) FEV1% predicted 87.5 (33-126)%, median (range) daily ICS dose 800 (0-4000) mcg beclomethasone) completed a 36 week trial consisting of; four week baseline, twelve-week treatment with AKL or identical placebo, eight week washout and further twelve-week crossover treatment period. The change occurring over treatment periods was observed for lung function, Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) scores. The mean (95% Confidence Interval) individual patient changes between active minus placebo periods was calculated. Results: No significant differences in lung function (active-placebo) were found (FEV1: mean (95% CI) difference = 0.01 (−0.12 to 0.14)L, p = 0.9. PEF: −4.08 (−35.03 to 26.89) L/min, p = 0.8). Trends to clinical improvements favouring active treatment were however consistently seen in the patient-centred outcomes: ACQ mean difference (active − placebo) = −0.35 (−0.78 to 0.07, p = 0.10, AQLQ difference 0.42 (−0.08 to 0.93, p = 0.09), LCQ difference 0.49, (−0.18 to 1.16, p = 0.15). With a change in ACQ and AQLQ score of 0.5 signifying a clinically relevant changes in control or health status, on the ACQ, 28% were unchanged, 22% better on placebo and 50% better on AKL, and on the AQLQ 29% had no change, 29% were better on placebo and 42% better on AKL. Nine exacerbations occurred during placebo treatment and five whilst on AKL. No significant adverse events were noted. Conclusions: AKL1 treatment was well tolerated. Consistent trends to symptom and quality of life improvements were observed, although no improvements in lung function seen. Further studies. Conflict of interest and funding None. Funding: The study was funded by Bridgehead Technologies Ltd.