2025 AMA Research Challenge – Member Premier Access

October 22, 2025

Virtual only, United States

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Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting up to 20% of children worldwide, with increasing incidence in industrialized nations. Disruption of the early-life microbiome has been proposed as a contributor to allergic disease pathogenesis. Antibiotics, commonly prescribed in infancy, may alter gut and skin microbial communities during critical immune development windows, potentially increasing susceptibility to AD. Previous studies have yielded inconsistent findings, necessitating an updated quantitative synthesis of the evidence. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies published from 2000 to 2024 assessing the association between early-life systemic antibiotic exposure (within the first 1–2 years of life) and the subsequent development of atopic dermatitis. MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched, and eligible studies included cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional designs that reported adjusted effect estimates. Data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to compute pooled odds ratios (ORs), with subgroup analyses based on exposure timing (≤12 months vs. ≤24 months) and frequency of antibiotic courses (1 vs. ≥2). Sensitivity analyses assessed heterogeneity and study quality impact. Results Twenty-eight studies comprising over 1.1 million children were included. The pooled relative effect estimate (REE) for AD in children with early antibiotic exposure versus no exposure was 1.30 (95% CI: 1.17–1.44), indicating a 30% increased risk. A dose-response relationship was observed: one antibiotic course was associated with a REE of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04–1.20), while two or more courses yielded a REE of 1.22 (95% CI: 1.03–1.46). Findings were robust across study designs and persisted in sensitivity analyses excluding lower-quality studies and studies reporting non-OR measures. Conclusion This meta-analysis provides evidence that systemic antibiotic exposure in early life is associated with a modest but statistically significant increase in the risk of developing atopic dermatitis, with a clear dose-response pattern. These findings support antibiotic stewardship initiatives in pediatric populations and highlight the potential long-term immunologic implications of early microbiome disruption. Judicious antibiotic use in infancy may represent a modifiable risk factor in the prevention of allergic skin disease.

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