Assessment of Disease Severity and Quality of Life in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis from South Korea

Abstract

Background: Data illustrating the impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on lives of adults withAD in South Korea are limited. Objective: To assess the AD disease severity and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in patientswith AD from South Korea. Methods: Patients with AD utilizing the specialist dermatology services of major hospitals inSouth 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 comorbiditiesand treatment experience via retrospective review of 12-month medical records. Clinical andsociodemographic characteristics were also measured. Results: Of the 1,163 patients, 695 (59.8%) were men (mean age [years]±standard devia-tion: 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 forAD-related eye problem. Of these, 40% (n=50) patients reported poor, very poor, or complete-ly 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 compromisedQoL, and ocular or mental health comorbidities, indicating a high disease burden despite sys-temic treatment. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach for the evalu-ation and treatment of patients with AD.