Meta-Analysis Links Atopic Dermatitis to Higher All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality
Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality and death from several specific causes compared with individuals without AD, according to a new meta-analysis of cohort studies. The findings reinforce growing recognition of AD as a systemic inflammatory disease with implications beyond the skin.
Investigators conducted a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through April 2025, identifying cohort studies that compared mortality outcomes in patients with AD vs controls. Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and hazard ratios (HR) were pooled using random-effects models.
Across studies, AD was associated with a 22% higher risk of all-cause mortality ( HR, 1.222; 95% CI: 1.117–1.336). Cause-specific analyses revealed elevated mortality risks related to infectious diseases (HR, 1.606), cancer (HR, 1.129), respiratory diseases (HR, 1.381), and gastrointestinal diseases (HR, 1.658). These findings remained consistent across sensitivity analyses.
Subgroup analyses provided additional context. Prospective cohort studies showed a higher all-cause mortality risk than retrospective studies, suggesting that more rigorous follow up may capture risk more accurately. Regional differences were also observed, with significantly increased mortality risks reported in studies conducted in Europe and Asia.
The authors concluded that “AD is associated with an elevated risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality,” highlighting the need to view the disease through a broader clinical lens. They further noted that these results “underscore the need for improved monitoring and targeted interventions” in patients with AD.
For dermatologists, the key takeaway is that AD management should extend beyond symptom control. Elevated mortality risks related to infection, malignancy, and systemic disease suggest the importance of comprehensive care, including attention to comorbid conditions, infection risk, and long-term disease control. While the analysis does not establish causality, it supports a more proactive, multidisciplinary approach to patients with moderate-to-severe AD.
The authors emphasized that future research should include more diverse populations and study designs to better define risk and inform preventive strategies.
Reference
Yang Y, Zhang Q, Zhao J, et al. All-cause and cause-specific mortality in atopic dermatitis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. Published online January 21, 2026. doi:10.1080/1744666X.2026.2618271
