Year: 2018
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The patient burden and quality of life (QOL) impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) in the United States population is not well established. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the patient burden of AD in the US population. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study of 602 adults was performed. Atopic dermatitis was determined using modified UK Diagnostic Criteria for AD. Its severity was assessed using self-reported global AD severity, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Patient-Oriented Scoring AD (PO-SCORAD), PO-SCORAD-itch, and sleep. Quality of life was assessed using short-form (SF-)12 mental and physical health scores and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). RESULTS: Adults with AD reported higher proportions of having only fair/poor overall health (25.8% vs. 15.8%), being somewhat/very dissatisfied with life (16.7% vs 11.4%), lower weighted mean (standard deviation [SD]) SF-12 mental (45.9 [9.9] vs 50.9 [9.2]) and physical health subscores (53.0 [2.5] vs 53.5 [2.3]) and higher DLQI (4.9 [6.5] vs 1.1 [2.8]). In multivariable regression models adjusting for sociodemographics and multiple comorbid health disorders, significant stepwise decreases by AD severity (self-reported, POEM, PO-SCORAD) of overall health, life satisfaction, SF-12 mental health, and increases of DLQI scores were seen. The SF-12 physical health scores were only associated with moderate AD. Concurrently, severe PO-SCORAD, POEM, or PO-SCORAD-itch was associated with very low mean SF-12 mental health (34.7) and high DLQI scores (24.7). Atopic dermatitis commonly limited lifestyle (51.3%), led to avoidance of social interaction (39.1%), and impacted activities (43.3%). The most burdensome AD symptoms were itch (54.4%), excessive dryness/scaling (19.6%), and red/inflamed skin (7.2%). CONCLUSION: These data support the heavy burden that AD places on patients, particularly those with moderate and severe AD.
Institutions: Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, National Jewish Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, University of Colorado Denver, Winthrop-University Hospital, New York University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Oregon Health & Science University, University of Southern California, Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Language: English
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,400
OpenAlex ID: W2883568898