Ann Dermatol.  2022 Dec;34(6):419-430. 10.5021/ad.21.239.

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

• Son SW
• Lee JH
• Ahn J
• Chang SE
• Choi EH
• Han TY
• Jang YH
• Kim HO
• Kim MB
• Kim YC
• Ko HC
• Ko JY
• Lee SE
• Lee YW
• Lew BL
• Na CH
• Park CO
• Park CW
• Park KY
• Park K
• Park YL
• Roh JY
• Seo YJ
• Shin MK
• Lee S
• Cho SH

• KMID: 2536301
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.21.239

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.

Keyword

Anxiety; Atopic dermatitis; Depression; Quality of life