title: Fifteen-year follow-up of hand eczema: predictive factors.
abstract: The aim of this study was to identify factors of importance for the long-term prognosis of hand eczema in the general population. In a 15-y follow-up, 868 (78%) individuals with hand eczema, diagnosed and clinically examined in a previous population-based study, answered a postal questionnaire with questions concerning persistence of the disease. In a logistic regression model, the extent of eczema involvement at the initial examination was the strongest negative factor for the prognosis, followed by history of childhood eczema and age below 20 y at onset of hand eczema. These factors significantly influenced both the total time with hand eczema during the 15 y follow-up and occurrence of hand eczema the previous year. The predictive factor for hand eczema 15 y later was doubled for an individual with all three risk factors compared with one without them, 72%vs 35%. Contact allergy to any of the standard allergens also related significantly to current hand eczema. In conclusion, the main determinant for a poor long-term prognosis was widespread hand dermatitis at the initial examination. Other important factors were low age at onset of hand eczema, history of childhood eczema, and contact allergy.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Dermatology, National Institute for Working Life, Stockholm, Sweden. birgitta.meding@niwl.se
authors.forename: Birgitta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Meding
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wrangsjö
authors.forename: Bengt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Järvholm
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004485:Eczema / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis