Search

It is important to understand patients' and dermatologists' perceptions of various aspects of atopic dermatitis, but there is a lack of studies on quality of life and stakeholder viewpoints in this therapy area. The aim of this study was to compare patients' and dermatologists' viewpoints regarding the impact of atopic dermatitis that is uncontrolled by topical corticosteroids. Data were collected from 348 adult patients who responded to self-administered questionnaires, and 150 telephone interviews with the dermatologists who selected them. Patients and dermatologists reported both convergent and divergent assessments of the impact of atopic dermatitis and its treatment. Notable areas of agreement were regarding the safety of emollients, the time required and difficulty of applying topical corticosteroids, especially to certain parts of the body. Divergent views involved the perceived efficacy of available treatments and the impact of atopic dermatitis on professional life. A greater understanding of these differences would help dermatologists to optimize patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis affects up to 20% of children and quite frequently persists in adulthood. Follow-up, treatment, and prevention of relapses have an impact on healthcare spending. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of different emollients prescribed for patients with atopic dermatitis in France. A 3-health state Markov model was designed, using French data for resource utilization, price and transition probabilities. The effects of the use of 5 different emollients (A, B, C, D, E) or no emollient were compared. The selected outcome was time (years) without flare-up. The 5-year cost for emollient A is 1,575.64€, and the effectiveness is 3.89 years without flare-up. Strategy A is the most effective. Compared with treatment E, which was the least expensive emollient, A is more expensive (+481.84€) and more effective (0.082 years without flare-up). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is 5,877.48€/years without flare-up. In conclusion, treating atopic dermatitis with emollients is a cost-effective strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the topics discussed in a series of international meetings on September 15-17, 2005 in Arcachon, France. The history of atopic dermatitis has been regarded as an excretory organ in which oozing was seen as a symptom of discharge of dangerous material. Antibiotics are believed to improve AD but does not bring dermatitis into full remission. Thus, superantigens may be very well important in supporting and or augmenting the immune inflammation.