Assessment of Disease Severity and Quality of Life in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis from South Korea
- Author:
Sang Wook SON
1
;
Ji Hyun LEE
;
Jiyoung AHN
;
Sung Eun CHANG
;
Eung Ho CHOI
;
Tae Young HAN
;
Yong Hyun JANG
;
Hye One KIM
;
Moon-Bum KIM
;
You Chan KIM
;
Hyun Chang KO
;
Joo Yeon KO
;
Sang Eun LEE
;
Yang Won LEE
;
Bark-Lynn LEW
;
Chan Ho NA
;
Chang Ook PARK
;
Chun Wook PARK
;
Kui Young PARK
;
Kun PARK
;
Young Lip PARK
;
Joo Young ROH
;
Young-Joon SEO
;
Min Kyung SHIN
;
Sujin LEE
;
Sang Hyun CHO
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Annals of Dermatology 2022;34(6):419-430
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
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.
