Multidimensional Burden of Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Adolescent and Adult Patients from Portugal and Greece: Results from the Global Cross-Sectional Study MEASURE-AD.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite significant progress observed in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), a considerable number of patients with severe disease are undertreated and have inadequate symptom control. This may be due to several reasons, such as underestimation of the implications of the disease on patients, families, and society, as well as inconsistent access to effective treatment. The multidimensional disease burden of AD includes other atopic comorbidities, sleep disturbance, and functional impairment and secondary consequences, including neuropsychiatric issues (anxiety and depression) and reduced health-related quality of life.

Methods: MEASURE-AD was a global, cross-sectional observational study in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD, conducted to describe disease burden, treatment patterns, and healthcare resource utilization.

Results: The results concerning patients from Portugal and Greece indicate moderate-to-severe disease for most of the population with frequent disease flares. The quality of life of both adolescents and adults was greatly affected, mainly owing to itch. One out of five patients perceived that their treatment was not effectively controlling AD. Disease resulted in important out-of-pocket expenses and loss of productivity.

Conclusions: Understanding and recognizing the complex burden of moderate-to-severe AD is required to encourage and guide changes in public policy for the effective management of patients.