Patient‐Reported Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Pediatric and Adolescent Patients With Moderate‐To‐Severe Disease: Results of a Real‐World, Cross‐Sectional Survey
Clinical Summary
View sourceWhat was studied
A real‑world, cross‑sectional survey (Europe and US; February–June 2019) of 772 patients aged 0–17 years with physician‑rated moderate‑to‑severe atopic dermatitis assessed treatment patterns and patient/caregiver‑reported burden and quality of life, comparing children (0–11 years; n=393) with adolescents (12–17 years; n=379).
Key findings
Adolescents were more likely than children to be on systemic therapies or phototherapy (systemic corticosteroid 24% vs 12%; phototherapy 15% vs 6%; systemic immunosuppressant 15% vs 6%; biologic 5% vs 1%). Two‑thirds reported high “bother” from itch (38% named itch the most bothersome symptom), and anxiety “bother” was higher in adolescents vs children (67% vs 49%); adolescents also reported greater embarrassment/self‑consciousness and impact on friendships.
Study limitations
Cross‑sectional, descriptive design with physician‑subjective severity classification and missing data not imputed limits inference. Caregiver‑reported outcomes for younger children and voluntary participation by physicians/patients may introduce reporting and selection bias, and multinational pooling could mask regional differences.
Clinical implications
In visits with youths with moderate‑to‑severe AD, address itch and sleep broadly, and ask adolescents about anxiety, embarrassment, and peer impact. Expect age‑related differences in current practice patterns (more systemic/phototherapy use in adolescents; more nonpharmacologic measures and some untreated cases in children).
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