Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis Research Articles

Infantile atopic dermatitis – increasing severity predicts negative impacts on maternal and infant sleep: a mixed methods study

BackgroundWhile the impacts of atopic dermatitis (AD) on maternal and child sleep outcomes have been previously explored, less is known about the associations between infantile AD and sleep quality and quantity.ObjectiveTo describe the perceived causes of AD-associated maternal sleep disturbances and the association between AD severity and infant sleep outcomes.MethodsMothers with infants aged < 19 months old with a diagnosis of AD were recruited from social media and medical clinics in Winnipeg, Canada between October 2021 and May 2022. Infant AD severity was classified using maternal-reported data on the Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis tool (PO-SCORAD). Quantitative data were collected via a series of questionnaires with a subset of mothers subsequently completing semi-structured interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated in the discussion.ResultsMothers of infants with moderate/severe AD (6/12) were more likely to report their infant suffering from a higher degree of sleeplessness (i.e., ≥ 5 on a scale of 0–10) over the past 48 h compared to mothers of infants with mild AD (0/18). This was supported by qualitative findings where mothers described how their infant’s sleep quality and quantity worsened with AD severity. Additionally, 7/32 mothers reported that their child’s AD, regardless of severity, disturbed their sleep. Maternal sleep loss was most commonly attributed to infant itching (6/7), followed by worry (4/7).ConclusionInfantile AD severity was associated with worse sleep outcomes for both mothers and infants. We propose that maternal and infantile sleep quality and quantity can be improved by reducing AD severity through adherence to topical treatments.

Prevalence and burden of atopic dermatitis involving the head, neck, face, and hand: A cross sectional study from the TARGET-DERM AD cohort

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is severely burdensome, and there has been poor characterization of any differences in impact based on the area affected. To estimate the prevalence and HRQoL impact of head/face/neck/hand (HFNH) involvement among patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. All TARGET-DERM AD registry patients with moderate/severe Investigator Global Assessment (vIGA-AD) were assessed using the Patient Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis, Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) and the (Children's) Dermatology Life Quality Index ((C)DLQI). 541 participants met the criteria (75.0% adults) and 84% (N=453) reported HFNH involvement. HFNH and non-HFNH involved participants had similar characteristics; 55.2% female and 46.9% White. Compared to the non-HFNH involved, the involved had severe vIGA-AD (28.5% vs 16.3%, P=.02) and higher median body surface area affected (15% vs 10%, P≤.01) and were twice as likely to have higher (C)DLQI and POEM scores. This was an analysis of real-world and patient reported outcome data. Real-world HFNH involved AD patients were associated with significantly worse quality of life, POEM/(C)DLQI, and more severe disease. Detailed assessments of specific areas affected by AD are needed to personalize treatment.

Open-label, single-arm, single-center clinical study on the effectiveness and safety of a moisturizer containing tocotrienol-rich composition in children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.

Little is known about antioxidant efficacy of topical vitamin E on atopic dermatitis (AD) due to lack of controlled clinical studies. The study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of a topical moisturizer containing tocotrienol-rich composition over 12 weeks on patients aged between 1 month and 12 years with mild to moderate AD. We conducted a 12 weeks, prospective, open-label clinical study on the effect of tocotrienol as an adjunct to conventional treatment. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Subject. JKEUPM-2019-274 (NMMR-19-1588-49234). Thirty AD patients with a mean age of 2.77 ± 3.05 were enrolled in the study. At week-12, significant reduction of investigator global assessment (63.4%), Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Index (PO-SCORAD) (65%), and SCORAD (52.3%) was noted (p < 0.05). There was also a significant decreased in pruritus intensity (46%, p < 0.05). Similarly at week-12, Infant's Dermatitis Quality of Life Index and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index were found to improve significantly compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Instrumental assessment revealed improvement in TEWL and erythema index, 49.7% and 17.4%, respectively. No adverse reaction was observed. 95% of patients were satisfied with the moisturizer and 90% perceived it to be better than the one in the market. There was a 55.07% reduction in the use of hydrocortisone 1% cream toward the end of the study (p < 0.05). The results suggested that tocotrienol-rich moisturizer is safe and effective in the management of AD in young children.

Burden of adult atopic dermatitis and unmet needs with existing therapies

ObjectivePatients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have low treatment satisfaction. In this study, we evaluated the humanistic burden, treatment satisfaction, and treatment expectations in patients with AD in the United States.MethodsAdults with AD recruited through the National Eczema Association and clinical sites completed a web-based survey comprising the Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD), Dermatology Life Quality Index; Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire-Atopic Dermatitis; Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM); and answered questions on healthcare provider (HCP) visits, treatment history, and treatment goals. Descriptive analyses were performed to compare participants by severity.ResultsAmong 186 participants (mean [standard deviation] age 39.7 [15.3] years, 79.6% female), 26.9%, 44.6%, and 26.3% of the participants had mild, moderate, or severe AD, respectively, based on PO-SCORAD. Greater disease severity was associated with a greater impact on work and daily life, decreased TSQM scores, and increased HCP visits. Corticosteroid topical cream or ointment (53.8%) and oral antihistamines (31.2%) were most commonly used for the treatment of AD. Participants reported declining/stopping/changing AD treatment due to the potential for side effects or lack of efficacy. ‘Leading normal lives’ (28.0%) and ‘being itch-free’ (33.9%) were important treatment goals.ConclusionsIndividuals with AD, especially severe disease, face a considerable humanistic burden even while using treatment.

The Association Between Fatigue and Adult Atopic Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: There is currently limited insight into the broader impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on mental health. Although studies indicate that AD patients may experience fatigue, no study has so far examined fatigue in more granular detail, for example, occurrence of general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, reduced motivation, and mental fatigue, or correlated fatigue measures with AD severity and symptoms intensity. Objectives: To examine fatigue subtypes and their prevalence in adults with AD, as well as their possible association with AD severity. Methods: A survey was conducted in adults with AD who had been managed in a hospital setting. The Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis was used to determine AD severity. Patient reported outcomes, including multidimensional fatigue inventory, were included. Results: Data from 2729 adults with AD were analyzed. The total and individual fatigue scores increased consistently with lower socioeconomic scores, higher AD severity, Dermatology Life Quality Index, itch, pain, and sleep scores. Increased fatigue scores were associated with AD severity in adjusted analyses. Conclusions: Among adults with AD, fatigue scores increased with disease severity as well as intensity of AD symptoms. Fatigue is a hitherto underappreciated symptom of AD that clinicians should be cognizant about.

Burden, Control, and Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis in 2021: A United States Patient Survey Study.

Recent data on unmet needs in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in the US are not available. To describe disease control, quality of life (QoL), and treatment satisfaction in a United States population with moderate-to-severe AD. Cross-sectional 2021 survey conducted among US patients recruited to an online survey from Kantar e-profiles, their panel partners, and Global Perspectives. Adults with self-reported, physician-diagnosed AD completed the primary survey. Of those reporting moderate to severe AD, a subset, including patients who &ldquo;strongly disagreed,&rdquo; &ldquo;somewhat disagreed,&rdquo; or were &ldquo;neutral&rdquo; on the statement &ldquo;my eczema is adequately controlled&rdquo; (&ldquo;inadequately controlled&rdquo;) with varying experience with approved biologic treatment (dupilumab), completed a second, enriched survey. Outcome measures evaluated included self-reported disease control and severity and validated measures including Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Recap of Atopic Eczema (RECAP), and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9). Of 3,285 patients who participated in the primary survey, 1,935 self-reported moderate-to-severe AD, 979 (51%) of whom reported inadequate control. A total of 371 completed the enriched survey, leading to an analytic sample with 87 controlled patients and 284 inadequately controlled patients (178/284 inadequately controlled patients never received dupilumab, 23 previously received it, and 83 were currently receiving it). Mean RECAP, PO-SCORAD, and DLQI scores were significantly worse (P&lt;0.01) for inadequately controlled vs controlled patients: 7.26 vs 13.9; 38.3 vs 26.9; and 9.9 vs 7.0, respectively. Mean TSQM-9 scores for inadequately controlled vs controlled patients were significantly worse across all domains&mdash;effectiveness, convenience, and global satisfaction (P&lt;0.01): 45.5 vs 69.5, 62.3 vs 72.5, 48.3 vs 69.3, respectively. This study found about half of the patients had inadequate control of their disease. This may partially be due to underuse of systemic biologics in eligible patients. There remains an unmet need for additional education on current and new systemic biologics that could allow patients to achieve better AD control, improved QoL, and greater overall treatment satisfaction. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(2):119-131. doi:10.36849/JDD.7071.

087 Personalised predictions of AD severity dynamics and treatment recommendations using a Bayesian machine learning approach

People with atopic dermatitis (AD) would benefit from personalised treatment strategies. We aim to develop a computational tool that makes personalised predictions of AD severity dynamics and generates treatment recommendations. We introduced EczemaPred, a computational framework to predict patient-dependent dynamic evolution of AD severity using Bayesian state-space models. We used EczemaPred to predict the dynamic evolution of Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD) by combining predictions for the nine severity items of PO-SCORAD (six intensity signs, extent of eczema, and two subjective symptoms).

EczemaPred: A computational framework for personalised prediction of eczema severity dynamics.

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease leading to substantial quality of life impairment with heterogeneous treatment responses. People with AD would benefit from personalised treatment strategies, whose design requires predicting how AD severity evolves for each individual.ObjectiveThis study aims to develop a computational framework for personalised prediction of AD severity dynamics.MethodsWe introduced EczemaPred, a computational framework to predict patient‐dependent dynamic evolution of AD severity using Bayesian state‐space models that describe latent dynamics of AD severity items and how they are measured. We used EczemaPred to predict the dynamic evolution of validated patient‐oriented scoring atopic dermatitis (PO‐SCORAD) by combining predictions from the models for the nine severity items of PO‐SCORAD (six intensity signs, extent of eczema, and two subjective symptoms). We validated this approach using longitudinal data from two independent studies: a published clinical study in which PO‐SCORAD was measured twice weekly for 347 AD patients over 17 weeks, and another one in which PO‐SCORAD was recorded daily by 16 AD patients for 12 weeks.ResultsEczemaPred achieved good performance for personalised predictions of PO‐SCORAD and its severity items daily to weekly. EczemaPred outperformed standard time‐series forecasting models such as a mixed effect autoregressive model. The uncertainty in predicting PO‐SCORAD was mainly attributed to that in predicting intensity signs (75% of the overall uncertainty).ConclusionsEczemaPred serves as a computational framework to make a personalised prediction of AD severity dynamics relevant to clinical practice. EczemaPred is available as an R package.

Factors associated with ocular surface disease and severity in adults with atopic dermatitis: a nationwide survey.

Ocular surface diseases (OSDs), including conjunctivitis and blepharitis, are common in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, but the magnitude and patient characteristics are unclear. To examine the prevalence of OSDs in adults with AD and identify patient characteristics and risk factors. We designed a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey and sent it via a secure public mail to all adult Danes with a hospital diagnosis of AD (ICD-10 code L20.x) registered in the National Patient Register (n = 16 718) between 2000 and 2019 and 7044 (42%) participated. Primary outcomes were OSDs and severity according to Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression models. Respondents were mostly females and middle-aged (67.4%, mean [SD] age, 39.0 [15.5] years). Based on Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis 49% had mild AD, 35% moderate, 10% severe and in 6% AD was inactive; 44.3% reported physician-diagnosed asthma bronchiale and 55.8% rhinitis. The lifetime prevalence of OSDs was 66.6% for conjunctivitis, 63.5% for hordeolum, 11.0% for blepharitis, 9.7% for keratitis, 2.0% for pterygium, 1.5% for symblepharon, 1.1% for keratoconus and 12.7% reported current conjunctivitis. Factors associated with lifetime occurrence of conjunctivitis included mild, moderate, and severe AD (aOR = 1.48 [95% CI, 1.02-2.14], aOR = 1.73 [95% CI, 1.19-2.53], aOR = 2.17 [95% CI, 1.42-3.21]), asthma bronchiale and rhinitis (aOR = 1.76 [95% CI, 1.49-2.07]), childhood-onset of AD (aOR = 1.34 [95% CI, 1.16-1.56]) and systemic AD treatment (aOR = 1.27 [95% CI, 1.08-1.50]). Use of soft and hard contact lenses (aOR = 2.15 [95% CI, 1.65-2.80], aOR = 3.35 [95% CI, 1.62-6.92]) were associated with lifetime occurrence of keratitis. Moderate and severe AD, asthma bronchiale and rhinitis were also associated with a higher OSDI level. This study identified important patient factors associated with OSDs. Clinicians should be attentive of ocular signs and symptoms in AD patients and ask about these.

Patient-Reported Disease Burden and Unmet Therapeutic Needs in Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease causing a variety of dermatologic signs and symptoms, affecting patient&rsquo;s quality of life. While treatment options are available, they are of variable effectiveness. This study sought to characterize patient-reported AD signs and symptoms, flare, and associated bother, by disease severity and control. Adults diagnosed with AD were recruited through the National Eczema Association (NEA) and clinical sites and completed a web-based survey including the Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD), Recap of Atopic Eczema (RECAP), and Skin Pain numeric rating scale (NRS), as well as questions on previous/current clinical presentation, flare frequency and severity, past/ present AD treatment, and sociodemographic characteristics. A total of 186 participants completed the survey (mean age 39.7 years, 80% female). The most frequently reported current AD signs and symptoms included dryness, itch, redness, roughness, and flaking skin, and the most bothersome were itch, dryness, and redness (63%). The majority of participants (84%) were either currently experiencing a flare or had experienced one within the past month. The most common signs and symptoms that grew worse during the most recent flare were itch and redness across all disease severity groups. Participants most often experienced one to three flares in the last three months. Flare frequency, duration, and average severity increased with greater disease severity and lack of disease control. The results of this study demonstrate the diverse and considerable symptomatic burden experienced by people with AD, even while being treated for AD. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(11):1222-1230. doi:10.36849/JDD.6329.

Effects of odevixibat on pruritus and bile acids in children with cholestatic liver disease: Phase 2 study

PurposeIleal bile acid transporter inhibition is a novel therapeutic concept for cholestatic pruritus and cholestatic liver disease progression. Odevixibat, a potent, selective, reversible ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, decreases enteric bile acid reuptake with minimal systemic exposure. Oral odevixibat safety, tolerability, and efficacy in pediatric patients with cholestatic liver disease and pruritus were evaluated. Patients and methodsIn this phase 2, open-label, multicenter study, children received 10‒200 μg/kg oral odevixibat daily for 4 weeks. Changes in serum bile acid levels (primary efficacy endpoint), pruritus, and sleep disturbance were explored. ResultsTwenty patients were enrolled (8 females; 1‒17 years; 4 re-entered at a different dose). Diagnoses included progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (n = 13; 3 re-entries), Alagille syndrome (n = 6), biliary atresia (n = 3), and other intrahepatic cholestasis causes (n = 2; 1 re-entry). Mean baseline serum bile acid levels were high (235 µmol/L; range, 26‒564) and were reduced in the majority (−123.1 μmol/L; range, −394 to 14.5, reflecting reductions of up to 98%). Patient-reported diary data documented improved pruritus (3 scales) and sleep. With 100 μg/kg, mean (SEM) decrease was 2.8 (1.1) points for pruritus (visual analogue itch scale 0−10) and 2.9 (0.9) points for sleep disturbance (Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis scale 0−10). Reduced pruritus correlated significantly with reduced serum bile acids (P ≤ 0.007). Significant correlations were also observed between autotaxin levels and pruritus. All patients completed the study. No serious adverse events were treatment related; most adverse events, including increased transaminases, were transient. ConclusionsOrally administered odevixibat was well tolerated, reduced serum bile acids, and improved pruritus and sleep disturbance in children with cholestatic diseases.

562 Racial/ethnic differences in quality-of-life among adults with atopic dermatitis

The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is commonly used to measure health-related quality-of-life (QoL) in adults with skin diseases. Among patients with psoriasis, racial/ethnic minority patients were found to report higher DLQI scores, indicating greater QoL impact, than Non-Hispanic (NH) White patients. We aimed to determine whether DLQI scores differ by race/ethnicity among adults with atopic dermatitis (AD). We performed a cross-sectional study using data from the Atopic Dermatitis in America online survey. The study included adults who met age-modified United Kingdom Working Party Criteria for AD. The primary outcome was continuous DLQI score. Racial/ethnic categories were NH White [reference], NH Black, Hispanic, and NH other. Multivariable linear regression was performed to evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and logarithmically transformed DLQI scores. Effect modification by level of depression or anxiety symptoms based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score (≤8 [low] vs. >8 [high]) was identified. Sample weights were applied for all analyses. The study sample included 672 adults. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 43 (30-58) years; 61% were women. Racial/ethnic distribution was 56% NH White, 15% NH Black, 17% Hispanic, and 12% NH other. Median (IQR) Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index was 24 (13-35) indicating mild AD severity. Median (IQR) DLQI scores by race/ethnicity were: NH White, 1.2 (0.3-4.4); NH Black, 1.7 (0.2-9.1); Hispanic, 1.6 (0.5-6.2); and NH other, 1.0 (0.3-2.9). In adjusted analyses, among those with HADS score>8, NH Black adults reported higher DLQI scores than NH White adults (β coefficient 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.83). Among U.S. adults with AD and greater symptoms of anxiety or depression, DLQI scores were 75% higher among NH Black vs. NH White adults. Clinicians should recognize racial/ethnic differences in the QoL impact of AD, especially among those with anxiety/depression.

Epidemiology and Burden of Sleep Disturbances in Atopic Dermatitis in US Adults.

The relationship between atopic dermatitis (AD) severity, sleep disturbance (SD), and health-related outcomes is not fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of SD in adult AD and its relationship with AD severity and health outcomes among the US population. A cross-sectional, US population-based survey study of 2893 adults was performed. Among adults meeting the UK Diagnostic Criteria for AD, 255 (40.7%) reported 1 or more, 67 (11.1%) reported 3 to 4, and 57 (9.5%) reported 5 to 7 nights of SD in the past week; 475 (79.7%) reported at least some trouble sleeping in the past 3 days. Moderate and severe Patient-Oriented Scoring AD, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, and Numeric Rating Scale-itch and Numeric Rating Scale-skin pain scores were associated with more severe SD compared with those without AD. More frequent and severe SDs were associated with higher Dermatology Life Quality Index, lower 12-item Short-Form Health Survey, and higher Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. Significant mediation by SD severity was observed between Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure and Numeric Rating Scale-itch with Dermatology Life Quality Index, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey physical and mental component scores, HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression scores, diagnosed anxiety, and heart disease. Atopic dermatitis and AD severity are associated with SDs. Sleep disturbances considerably impact quality of life and other health outcomes in adults with AD.

Validity and reliability of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health scale in adults with atopic dermatitis

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health (PGH) was validated to assess health-related quality of life in several diseases. Little is known about its measurement properties in adult atopic dermatitis. Examine the measurement properties of PGH in adult atopic dermatitis. A prospective dermatology practice-based study of 994 atopic dermatitis patients (18-97years). PGH physical and mental health 4-item and abridged 2-item T scores, as well as mapped EuroQol-5D score, showed strong to very strong correlation with one another and moderate to strong Spearman correlations with Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis, Patient-Health Questionnaire-9, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep disturbance and related impairment, Eczema Area and Severity Index, objective Scoring Atopic Dermatitis; and weak to moderate correlations with Patient Oriented Eczema Measure, numeric rating scale worst itch and average itch, and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) had stronger correlations with Patient Oriented Eczema Measure, Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis, numeric rating scale worst itch and average itch, Eczema Area and Severity Index, and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis, but weaker correlations with Patient-Health Questionnaire-9 and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System sleep disturbance and related impairment (convergent/divergent validity). PGH and DLQI scores had similarly poor ability to differentiate between levels of self-reported global atopic dermatitis severity (known-groups validity). No floor or ceiling effects were observed. No PGH or DLQI items had differential item functioning by demographics. PGH and DLQI scores showed fair to good responsiveness. Finally, PGH and DLQI showed similarly good test-retest reliability. Single-center study. PGH scores had sufficient validity and reliability to assess health-related quality of life in atopic dermatitis.

Quality of life of Turkish children and families of Caucasian origin with atopic dermatitis.

To determine the quality of life (QoL) in Caucasian children with atopic dermatitis (AD) and their families and possible factors that might impact their QoL. In this cross-sectional study, 83 children aged 2-7 with AD and their families were enrolled as the study group, and 83 age-matched healthy children were included as controls. All patients in the AD and control groups were sorted into two age-based groups: (1) 2-4 and (2) 5-7 years of age. The parents of all children completed the Turkish version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL).The Family Impact Scale for Dermatological Diseases (FIS-DD) was administered to the study group. Disease severity was evaluated with the Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD) scale. In both age groups, a negative correlation between the PedsQL and the FIS-DD scores (p < 0.001) was found. A positive correlation was found between the PO-SCORAD and FIS- DD scores among the second age group (p = 0.011). In the first age group, AD patients with comorbid allergic diseases had higher FIS-DD scores than those without any other allergic problems (p = 0.007). We suggest that considering family QoL may positively contribute to the treatment of pre-school age AD children.

Treatment of adult atopic dermatitis patients according to disease characteristics and demographics.

Little is currently known about possible associations between disease specific characteristics of atopic dermatitis (AD) and use of medical treatments. We explored the use of AD treatments within the past 12 months in Danish adults according to distinct patient characteristics. Patients who had received a diagnosis of AD in a hospital in- or outpatient setting as adults were surveyed and data cross-linked to a national prescription registry. AD severity was measured by the Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD). A total of 3834 patients participated. Use of topical medication in the past 12 months increased with increasing AD severity, whereas no difference was observed for systemic medication use. Positive associations between AD in the face and neck, and use of mild and moderately potent topical corticosteroids were observed, while involvement of palms and chest was associated with use of more potent topical corticosteroids. The mean DLQI, skin pain, and itch severity scores were lower in patients managed only with topical corticosteroids (5.5, 3.2, and 4.3, respectively) compared to patients treated with both oral and topical medication (7.1, 3.8, and 5.0, respectively). Patients with frequent topical corticosteroid use tended to be older (50.7 vs 48.6 years), males (50.0% vs 33.6%), current daily smokers (17.3% vs 13.7%), and having asthma (59.1% vs 43.8%) compared with infrequent users of topical corticosteroids. We found a disconnect between the severity of AD signs and symptoms, and use of AD therapies. In particular, a very modest use of systemic immunosuppressants was seen even among patients with severe AD symptoms. However, the underlying clinical decisions and reasons behind this disconnect is not clear based on the current data.

Comparison of Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure and Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis vs Eczema Area and Severity Index and other measures of atopic dermatitis: A validation study

BackgroundLittle is known about the measurement properties of Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD) in adults with atopic dermatitis (AD). Even less is known about how PO-SCORAD performs compared with the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM). ObjectiveTo examine the measurement properties of PO-SCORAD and compare them with those of POEM. MethodsA prospective dermatology practice–based study of 291 patients with AD (age range, 18-72 years). ResultsPO-SCORAD and POEM were moderately correlated with each other (Spearman ρ = 0.56) and had weak-moderate correlations with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) worst itch and average itch, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), ItchyQOL, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Sleep Disturbance (SD) and Sleep-Related Impairment (SRI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) (P < .001). POEM had significantly stronger correlations with DLQI, ItchyQOL, and EASI than did PO-SCORAD. PO-SCORAD and POEM had fair discriminant validity. Changes from baseline in PO-SCORAD and POEM were moderately correlated with each other; were weakly to strongly correlated with NRS worst itch and average itch, DLQI, ItchyQOL, PROMIS SD, PROMIS SRI, PHQ-9, and EASI; and had good test-retest reliability. There was no differential item functioning of items or floor or ceiling effects for PO-SCORAD or POEM. The thresholds for meaningful change for PO-SCORAD and POEM were −15.5 and −5.0, respectively. Median completion times for PO-SCORAD and POEM were 3 minutes and 1 minute, respectively. ConclusionPO-SCORAD and POEM had good construct and cross-cultural validity, reliability, and responsiveness in adults with AD and were feasible for use in clinical trials and practice. However, POEM had better measurement properties than PO-SCORAD.

Pain severity and use of analgesic medication in adults with atopic dermatitis: a cross-sectional study.

Adult patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) report skin pain, but the relationship with disease severity, anatomical location and use of pain medication is unclear. To examine pain in adults with AD. We performed a cross-sectional study of nationwide healthcare data and survey data from the Danish Skin Cohort. In total, 3208 randomly selected adults from the general population and 3834 adults with a dermatologist-verified diagnosis of AD present in adulthood were included. Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis determined AD severity, and numerical rating scales estimated the severity of pruritus and skin pain. Complete information on the use of analgesic medication was obtained from the Danish nationwide prescription registry. Respectively, 6·8%, 55·5%, 34·0% and 3·7% of the AD cohort reported that they were asymptomatic, or had mild, moderate or severe disease at the time of assessment. Skin pain was positively associated with AD severity and itch. Higher skin pain scores were observed in plantar, chest and palmar areas. Use of pain medication was not increased in patients with AD. Patients with AD did not display increased use of pain medication, but few had severe disease. The close relationship observed between itch and pain highlights the potential benefits of established AD treatments to also reduce skin pain in AD. What's already known about this topic? There is increased awareness about skin pain being a significant burden of atopic dermatitis (AD). What does this study add? We found that skin pain is increased with AD severity and itch. The comparable use of pain medication in patients with AD and controls suggests that dermatological treatments reduce skin pain.

Validation of five patient-reported outcomes for atopic dermatitis severity in adults.

Structured patient-reported outcomes of atopic dermatitis (AD) severity are not standardized in clinical practice. To determine the construct validity, internal consistency, cross-cultural validity and floor or ceiling effects of multiple AD severity assessments. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study of 2893 adults, including 602 adults who met a modified set of U.K. diagnostic criteria for AD. AD severity was assessed using self-reported global AD severity, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD) and its objective and subjective components, and numerical rating scale (NRS)-itch. Quality of life was assessed using Short-Form (SF)-12 mental and physical health scores, Short-Form Six Dimensions (SF-6D) health utility scores and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Mental health was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). PO-SCORAD, PO-SCORAD objective and subjective subscores, NRS-itch and POEM all had moderate-to-strong correlations with each other and DLQI, fair-to-moderate correlations with HADS-anxiety and HADS-depression, and inverse correlations with SF-12 mental component score and SF-6D (Pearson correlations, P < 0·001). All scores showed good criterion validity as judged by anova and receiver operator characteristics. PO-SCORAD, PO-SCORAD objective subscore and POEM had similarly good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0·84, 0·82 and 0·86); the PO-SCORAD subjective subscore was less internally consistent (alpha = 0·57). All scores showed potentially poor cross-cultural validity as demonstrated by uniform and nonuniform differential item functioning by age, sex and/or race/ethnicity for multiple items. There were floor effects for POEM, but not for the other assessments. PO-SCORAD, PO-SCORAD objective and subjective subscores, NRS-itch and POEM appear to be valid for assessing AD severity in clinical practice. What's already known about this topic? Few studies have demonstrated the validity of the atopic dermatitis severity assessments Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD), PO-SCORAD subscores, numerical rating scale (NRS)-itch and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM). What does this study add? This study demonstrates that PO-SCORAD, PO-SCORAD subscores, NRS-itch and POEM all had good construct validity in the assessment of atopic dermatitis severity in adults. Only POEM demonstrated floor effects. What are the clinical implications of this work? PO-SCORAD, PO-SCORAD subscores, NRS-itch and POEM all appear to have sufficient validity to be used as assessments of atopic dermatitis severity in clinical practice.

Pain Is a Common and Burdensome Symptom of Atopic Dermatitis in United States Adults

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with skin pain. However, little is known about the prevalence and associations of pain in AD. To characterize the frequency, intensity, characteristics, and associations of pain from AD. A cross-sectional, US population internet survey-based study of 602 adults with AD from the AD in America Study was performed (modified UK Working Party Criteria). Overall, 365 (61%) reported pain from AD, with 199 (33%) experiencing pain at least once per week and 30 (5%) with pain daily. Among those with AD pain, 22% reported worst pain intensity ≥7. The frequency and intensity of AD pain were associated with Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD), PO-SCORAD itch and sleep, and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (P ≤ .004 for all). Among those experiencing AD pain, 179 (48%) reported pain occurring only after frequent scratching, 156 (42%) reported intermittent pain, and 27 (11%) reported constant pain throughout the day. AD pain was most commonly associated with open areas caused by scratching (27%) and fissures in the skin (27%), followed by inflamed red skin (25%), with only a minority reporting pain mostly caused by burning from creams or ointments (10%). Mild AD was associated with more pain from scratching, whereas severe AD was associated with more constant pain and pain from inflamed skin. Pain is a distinct symptom in AD, with heterogeneous frequency, characteristics, intensity, and quality of life impact. Pain was related to scratching, fissures, and/or inflamed red skin, and least from burning from topical medications. Skin pain should be assessed in patients with AD and monitoring treatment response.