A Comparison of Two Scoring Methods in Atopic Dermatitis.
10.5021/ad.2000.12.2.102
- Author:
Soyun CHO
;
Seong Hyun KIM
;
Kyu Kwang WHANG
;
Jeong Hee HAHM
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Scoring;
Atopic dermatitis;
Rajka & Langeland grading;
SCORAD
- MeSH:
Animals;
Dermatitis, Atopic*;
Female;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Immunoglobulin E;
Male;
Mothers;
Research Design*;
Research Personnel;
Smoke;
Smoking
- From:Annals of Dermatology
2000;12(2):102-105
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Scoring of atopic dermatitis has been a rather controversial issue in recent years, with scoring systems of varying complexity being advocated by different investigators. OBJECTIVE: It was the aim of this study to compare two of the most commonly used scoring methods in a clinical setting. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients diagnosed as having atopic dermatitis were evaluated using the Rajka & Langeland grade and the SCORAD, and the two scoring systems were compared with respect to the presence or absence of clinical and laboratory parameters of atopic dermatitis. RESULTS: The patients were composed of 22 males and 36 females, with an average age of 7.1 years. The average Rajka & Langeland grade was 6.1 (maximum, 9) and the SCORAD, 42.6 (maximum, 103). In both systems, the majority of the patients belonged to the moderate group; however, there was a relatively poor agreement between the two scoring systems in the assessment of overall severity of atopic dermatitis (kappa = 0.267). The SCORAD was better cor- related with the clinical and laboratory parameters, such as associated diseases, family history, smoking of the mother, contact with animal and high IgE level. CONCLUSION: The two scoring systems cannot be used interchangeably. The Rajka & Langeland grade is more ideal for quick, large surveys, and the SCORAD, for drug-effect studies or follow-up of progression of the disease. The SCORAD is the more useful system in relation to other clinical and laboratory aspects of atopic dermatitis.
