Citation

Son SW, Lee JH, Ahn J, Chang SE, Choi EH, Han TY, Jang YH, Kim HO, Kim MB, Kim YC, Ko HC, Ko JY, Lee SE, Lee YW, Lew BL, Na CH, Park CO, Park CW, Park KY, Park K, Park YL, Roh JY, Seo YJ, Shin MK, Lee S, Cho SH. Annals of Dermatology 2022; 34(6): 419-430.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022)

DOI

10.5021/ad.21.239

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Data illustrating the impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on lives of adults with AD in South Korea are limited.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the AD disease severity and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in patients with AD from South Korea.

METHODS: Patients with AD utilizing the specialist dermatology services of major hospitals in South Korea were assessed for disease severity using Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, for QoL using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (for QoL), and for comorbidities and treatment experience via retrospective review of 12-month medical records. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were also measured.

RESULTS: Of the 1,163 patients, 695 (59.8%) were men (mean age [years]±standard deviation: 31.6±12.1). Overall, 52.9% (n=615) patients had moderate-to-severe disease (EASI>7). The QoL of 72.3% (n=840) patients was affected moderately-to-severely (DLQI score: 6~30). Systemic immunosuppressants were used ≥1 over past 12 months in 51.9% (n=603) patients, and the most commonly used were cyclosporines (45.7%, n=531) and systemic corticosteroids (40.5%, n=471). Approximately, 10.8% (n=126) patients consulted or received treatment for AD-related eye problem. Of these, 40% (n=50) patients reported poor, very poor, or completely blind status; approximately, 16.7% patients (n=192) reported having depression or anxiety; and 35.5% (n=410) reported suicidal ideation or suicidal attempt.

CONCLUSION: A large proportion of patients had moderate-to-severe AD, a compromised QoL, and ocular or mental health comorbidities, indicating a high disease burden despite systemic treatment. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach for the evaluation and treatment of patients with AD. Copyright © The Korean Dermatological Association and The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; Anxiety; Depression; female; male; quality of life; suicidal ideation; depression; blindness; drug use; suicide attempt; comorbidity; disease severity; experience; South Korea; major clinical study; controlled study; retrospective study; consultation; hydrocortisone; clinical feature; anxiety disorder; heart infarction; cerebrovascular accident; cross-sectional study; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; multicenter study; disease exacerbation; immunotherapy; asthma; Quality of life; antihistaminic agent; congestive heart failure; diabetes mellitus; antibiotic agent; phototherapy; chronic obstructive lung disease; allergic rhinitis; body weight; Atopic dermatitis; azathioprine; methylprednisolone; peripheral vascular disease; university hospital; eye disease; transient ischemic attack; liver disease; emollient agent; Article; observational study; methotrexate; systemic therapy; corticosteroid derivative; medical record review; soap; dermatology; mometasone furoate; connective tissue disease; atopic dermatitis; genital system; peptic ulcer; hemiplegia; allergic conjunctivitis; calcineurin inhibitor; topical treatment; mycophenolate mofetil; single (marital status); dermatologist; sociodemographics; food allergy; phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor; tertiary care center; divorced person; allergic urticaria; separated person; malignant neoplasm; patient-reported outcome; cyclosporine; Dermatology Life Quality Index; European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions questionnaire; desonide; dupilumab; Eczema Area and Severity Index; eyelid; foot sole; hand palm; prednicarbate