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Background: The heterogeneity of development and progression of eczema suggests multiple underlying subclasses for which aetiology and prognosis may vary. A better understanding may provide a comprehensive overview of eczema development and progression in childhood. Thus, we aimed to determine longitudinal eczema subclasses based on assessments and identify their associations with risk factors and allergic outcomes. Methods: A total of 619 participants with a family history of allergic disease were assessed at 24 time‐points from birth to 12 years. At each time, eczema was defined as the report of current rash treated with topical steroid‐based preparations. Longitudinal latent class analysis was used to determine eczema subclasses. Subsequent analyses using regression models assessed the associations between eczema subclasses and potential risk factors and allergic outcomes at 18‐ and 25‐year follow‐ups (eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma and allergic sensitization). Results: We identified five eczema subclasses 'early‐onset persistent', 'early‐onset resolving', 'mid‐onset persistent', 'mid‐onset resolving' and 'minimal eczema'. Filaggrin null mutations were associated with the early‐onset persistent (OR = 2.58 [1.09–6.08]) and mid‐onset persistent class (OR = 2.58 [1.32–5.06]). Compared with 'minimal eczema', participants from early‐onset persistent class had higher odds of eczema (OR = 11.8 [5.20–26.6]) and allergic rhinitis (OR = 3.13 [1.43–6.85]) at 18 and at 25 years eczema (OR = 9.37 [3.17–27.65]), allergic rhinitis (OR = 3.26 [1.07–9.93]) and asthma (OR = 2.91 [1.14–7.43]). Likewise, mid‐onset persistent class had higher odds of eczema (OR = 2.59 [1.31–5.14]), allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.70 [1.00–2.89]) and asthma (OR = 2.00 [1.10–3.63]) at 18 and at 25 years eczema (OR = 6.75 [3.11–14–65]), allergic rhinitis (OR = 2.74 [1.28–5.88]) and asthma (OR = 2.50 [1.25–5.00]). Allergic and food sensitization in early life was more common in those in the persistent eczema subclasses. Conclusion: We identified five distinct eczema subclasses. These classes were differentially associated with risk factors, suggesting differences in aetiology, and also with the development of allergic outcomes, highlighting their potential to identify high‐risk groups for close monitoring and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports suggest that unintended food allergen presence in processed foods caused by allergen cross-contact (i.e. food comes into contact with another food) may be the leading cause of contamination resulting in adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to examine factors which contribute to undeclared allergens being present in processed foods in Australia, by examining food recalls. There is a need for improved packaging practices to minimise foods with undeclared allergens and increase food safety for food allergic consumers. [Extracted from the article]