Effects of Gamma-Linolenic Acid Adjuvant Therapy in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis:A Survey Study
- Author:
Jee Yun DOH
1
;
Hyun Ju OH
;
Yeong Ho KIM
;
Ji Hyun LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2023;61(5):283-292
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic inflammatory dermatosis. Whether gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) supplementation is beneficial in AD patients remains debatable.
Objective:This study investigated whether adjuvant GLA supplementation is associated with clinical improvement in AD patients receiving systemic treatment, as assessed by patient-reported outcome measures.
Methods:We enrolled 70 AD patients. Patients who received GLA at a dose of 80∼160 mg/d for over 1 month were included in the GLA group, while others were included in the non-GLA group. Each group was subgrouped into control, immunomodulator, and dupilumab groups based on treatment history. The patients evaluated their symptoms using the Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool (ADCT), Patient Global Assessment of Disease (PGA), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
Results:The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare differences in ADCT, PGA, and DLQI between both groups. The ADCT scores were significantly lower in the control and immunomodulatory group supplemented with GLA (control U=13.5, p=0.04; immunomodulatory U=28.0, p=0.01), but not in patients taking dupilumab (U=44.5, p=0.70). The PGA and DLQI scores also tended to be lower in the GLA group than those in the non-GLA group.
Conclusion:GLA supplementation is a potential adjuvant to systemic therapy may yield additional symptomatic relief in AD patients.