1
|
Montero-Vilchez T, Rodriguez-Pozo JA, Cuenca-Barrales C, Sanabria-de-la-Torre R, Torres-de-Pinedo JM, Arias-Santiago S. Stratum Corneum Hydration As a Potential Marker of Response to Dupilumab in Atopic Dermatitis®: A Prospective Observational Study. Dermatitis 2024; 35:250-257. [PMID: 37695812 DOI: 10.1089/derm.2023.0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Dupilumab is an effective treatment for atopic Dermatitis® (AD) and it also restores skin barrier function. Nevertheless, early changes in epidermal barrier parameters related to sustained treatment response or treatment failure are not known. So, the objective of this study is to evaluate whether changes in skin barrier function after 16 weeks dupilumab treatment could predict sustained treatment response or treatment failure. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted that included patients with AD starting dupilumab. Clinical scores, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and skin barrier function parameters were assessed at baseline and after 16 weeks treatment. Patients were followed until they failed to dupilumab or until the end of the study period. Participants were divided into 2 groups: patients with treatment failure and those with sustained treatment response. Results: In total, 32 patients with AD were included in the study, with a mean age of 28.03 years (standard deviation 10.65), being 20 (60.6%) females. In total, 22 (66.7%) patients sustained dupilumab response during the study period and only 10 (33.3%) failed to treatment. After 16 weeks treatment, clinical scores were improved in both groups. Patients with sustained treatment response increased stratum corneum hydration (SCH) on noninvolved skin (34.25 arbitrary units [AU] vs 44.90AU, P = 0.001) and on eczematous lesions (20.71 AU vs 40.94 AU, P < 0.001) and also decreased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) on eczematous lesions (28.22 g/[m2·h] vs 14.83 g/[m2·h], P = 0.002). Patients with treatment failure did not change TEWL or SCH. SCH after 16 weeks treatment on noninvolved skin (odds ratio [OR] = 0.83, P = 0.018) and SCH after 16 weeks treatment on eczematous lesions (OR = 0.86, P = 0.028) were related to dupilumab failure. Conclusion: SCH could be used as a predictive biomarker of dupilumab response in patients with AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trinidad Montero-Vilchez
- From the Dermatology Department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Cuenca-Barrales
- From the Dermatology Department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Raquel Sanabria-de-la-Torre
- From the Dermatology Department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Salvador Arias-Santiago
- From the Dermatology Department, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chan OM, Xu W, Cheng NS, Leung ASY, Ching JYL, Fong BLY, Cheong PK, Zhang L, Chan FKL, Ng SC, Leung TF. A novel infant microbiome formula (SIM03) improved eczema severity and quality of life in preschool children. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3168. [PMID: 38326388 PMCID: PMC10850179 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53848-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Altered gut microbiome composition has been reported in children with eczema and interventions that restore beneficial bacteria in the gut may improve eczema. This open-label pilot study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a novel infant microbiome formula (SIM03) in young children with eczema. Pre-school Chinese children aged 1-5 years old with eczema received SIM03 twice daily for three months. The novelty of SIM03 consists of both the use of a patented microencapsulation technology to protect the viability of unique Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium breve strains identified through big data analysis of large metagenomic datasets of young Chinese children. Paired stool samples at baseline and following SIM03 were analyzed by metagenomics sequencing. Generalized estimating equation was used to analyze changes in eczema severity, skin biophysical parameters, quality of life and stool microbiome. Twenty children aged 3.0 ± 1.6 years (10 with severe eczema) were recruited. Treatment compliance was ≥ 98%. SCORing Atopic Dermatitis score decreased significantly at two months (P = 0.008) and three months (P < 0.001), while quality of life improved significantly at 1, 2, and 3 months. The relative abundance of B. breve and microbial pathways on acetate and acetyl-CoA synthesis were enriched in stool samples at one month (P = 0.0014). Children who demonstrated increased B. bifidum after SIM03 showed improvement in sleep loss (P = 0.045). Relative abundance of B. breve correlated inversely with eczema extent (P = 0.023) and intensity (P = 0.019) only among patients with increased B. breve at Month 3. No serious adverse event was observed. In conclusion, SIM03 is well tolerated. This patented microbiome formula improves disease severity and quality of life in young eczematous children by enhancing the delivery of B. bifidum and B. breve in the gut. SIM03 is a potential treatment option for childhood eczema.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oi Man Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wenye Xu
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nam Sze Cheng
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Agnes Sze Yin Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jessica Yuet Ling Ching
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Brian Leong Yuen Fong
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pui Kuan Cheong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Francis Ka Leung Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Siew Chien Ng
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ting Fan Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Hong Kong Hub of Paediatric Excellence, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
An Overview of the Latest Metabolomics Studies on Atopic Eczema with New Directions for Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158791. [PMID: 35955924 PMCID: PMC9368995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Atopic eczema (AE) is an inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 20% of children worldwide and early onset can lead to asthma and allergies. Currently, the mechanisms of the disease are not fully understood. Metabolomics, the analysis of small molecules in the skin produced by the host and microbes, opens a window to observe the mechanisms of the disease which then may lead to new drug targets for AE treatment. Here, we review the latest advances in AE metabolomics, highlighting both the lipid and non-lipid molecules, along with reviewing the metabolites currently known to reside in the skin.
Collapse
|
4
|
Dupilumab Improves Skin Barrier Function in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Prospective Observational Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11123341. [PMID: 35743415 PMCID: PMC9225017 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal barrier dysfunction plays an important role in atopic dermatitis (AD). The difficulty of objectively assessing AD severity and the introduction of new biologicals into clinical practice highlight the need to find parameters to monitor clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of dupilumab on skin barrier function and compare it with other treatments in patients with AD. A prospective observational study was conducted in adults with AD treated with topical corticosteroids (TCS), cyclosporine, or dupilumab. The main outcome measures after 16 weeks of treatment were Eczema Area and Severity (EASI)-50 (50% improvement in EASI), and transepidermal water loss (TEWL)-50 (50% improvement in TEWL). Forty-six patients with AD were included in the study. The proportion of patients who achieved EASI-50 at week 16 was significantly higher in patients receiving dupilumab (81.8% vs. 28.6% vs. 40%, p = 0.004). In eczematous lesions, TEWL decreased in patients receiving dupilumab (31.02 vs. 12.10 g·h−1·m−2, p < 0.001) and TCS (25.30 vs. 14.88 g·h−1·m−2, p = 0.047). The proportion of patients who achieved TEWL-50 at week 16 was higher for dupilumab than for cyclosporine or TCS. Temperature only decreased in the dupilumab group. Stratum corneum hydration increased in eczematous lesions and non-involved skin only in patients with dupilumab. In conclusion, dupilumab improves skin barrier function in patients with AD better than TCS or cyclosporine, both in eczematous lesions and in non-lesioned skin.
Collapse
|
5
|
Epidermal Barrier Function and Skin Homeostasis in Atopic Dermatitis: The Impact of Age. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12010132. [PMID: 35054525 PMCID: PMC8779900 DOI: 10.3390/life12010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin is damaged in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. Age is also believed to have a negative effect on epidermal barrier function. The aim of this study was to investigate skin barrier function changes with age in AD patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted including 162 participants, 81 AD patients and 81 healthy volunteers. Skin barrier function parameters, such as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema, temperature, stratum corneum hydration (SCH), pH, and elasticity, were evaluated. Healthy volunteers were evaluated on the volar forearm. AD patients were measured on two regions: on an eczematous lesion on the volar forearm and on a non-involved area 5 cm from the affected area. TEWL was lower on healthy skin than uninvolved AD skin (9.98 vs. 25.51 g·m−2·h−1, p < 0.001) and AD eczematous lesions (9.98 vs. 28.38 g·m−2·h−1, p < 0.001). SCH was lower on AD eczematous lesions than uninvolved AD skin (24.23 vs. 39.36 AU, p < 0.001) and healthy skin (24.23 vs. 44.36 AU, p < 0.001). Elasticity was lower on AD eczematous lesions than uninvolved AD skin (0.69 vs. 0.74, p = 0.038) and healthy skin (0.69 vs. 0.77, p = 0.014). A negative correlation was found between age and elasticity in all the population (r = −0.383, p < 0.001). This correlation was stronger in AD patients (r = −0.494, p < 0.001) than in controls (r = −0.266, p = 0.092). After conducting a linear regression model in AD patients adjusted by age, sex, and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), it was found that elasticity was impaired by an increasing age (β = −0.004, p < 0.001) and a higher SCORAD (β = −0.003, p < 0.001). The skin barrier function is impaired by age and AD, reflected mainly in poor elasticity values in older AD patients.
Collapse
|
6
|
Montero-Vilchez T, Segura-Fernández-Nogueras MV, Pérez-Rodríguez I, Soler-Gongora M, Martinez-Lopez A, Fernández-González A, Molina-Leyva A, Arias-Santiago S. Skin Barrier Function in Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis: Transepidermal Water Loss and Temperature as Useful Tools to Assess Disease Severity. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020359. [PMID: 33477944 PMCID: PMC7833436 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple diagnostic tools are used to evaluate psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) severity, but most of them are based on subjective components. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and temperature are skin barrier function parameters that can be objectively measured and could help clinicians to evaluate disease severity accurately. Thus, the aims of this study are: (1) to compare skin barrier function between healthy skin, psoriatic skin and AD skin; and (2) to assess if skin barrier function parameters could predict disease severity. A cross-sectional study was designed, and epidermal barrier function parameters were measured. The study included 314 participants: 157 healthy individuals, 92 psoriatic patients, and 65 atopic dermatitis patients. TEWL was significantly higher, while stratum corneum hydration (SCH) (8.71 vs. 38.43 vs. 44.39 Arbitrary Units (AU)) was lower at psoriatic plaques than at uninvolved psoriatic skin and healthy controls. Patients with both TEWL > 13.85 g·m−2h−1 and temperature > 30.85 °C presented a moderate/severe psoriasis (psoriasis area severity index (PASI) ≥ 7), with a specificity of 76.3%. TEWL (28.68 vs. 13.15 vs. 11.60 g·m−2 h−1) and temperature were significantly higher, while SCH (25.20 vs. 40.95 vs. 50.73 AU) was lower at AD eczematous lesions than uninvolved AD skin and healthy controls. Patients with a temperature > 31.75 °C presented a moderate/severe AD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) ≥ 37) with a sensitivity of 81.8%. In conclusion, temperature and TEWL values may help clinicians to determine disease severity and select patients who need intensive treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trinidad Montero-Vilchez
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avenida de Madrid, 15, 18012 Granada, Spain; (T.M.-V.); (A.M.-L.); (S.A.-S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain;
| | | | - Isabel Pérez-Rodríguez
- Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada,18001 Granada, Spain; (M.-V.S.-F.-N.); (I.P.-R.); (M.S.-G.)
| | - Miguel Soler-Gongora
- Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada,18001 Granada, Spain; (M.-V.S.-F.-N.); (I.P.-R.); (M.S.-G.)
| | - Antonio Martinez-Lopez
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avenida de Madrid, 15, 18012 Granada, Spain; (T.M.-V.); (A.M.-L.); (S.A.-S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain;
| | | | - Alejandro Molina-Leyva
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avenida de Madrid, 15, 18012 Granada, Spain; (T.M.-V.); (A.M.-L.); (S.A.-S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-958-023-422
| | - Salvador Arias-Santiago
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Avenida de Madrid, 15, 18012 Granada, Spain; (T.M.-V.); (A.M.-L.); (S.A.-S.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain;
- Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada,18001 Granada, Spain; (M.-V.S.-F.-N.); (I.P.-R.); (M.S.-G.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ng WGG, Hon KL, Kung JSC, Cheng NS, Koh MJA, Huang H, Lee VWY, Leung TF. Effect of pine-tar bath on disease severity in moderate-to-severe childhood eczema: an investigator-blinded, crossover, randomized clinical trial. J DERMATOL TREAT 2020; 33:157-165. [PMID: 32066302 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1732284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with pruritus and sleep loss. Pine-tar has long been used for various chronic skin conditions in which its polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) component is anti-inflammatory and its resin acids antiseptic. The null hypothesis of this trial is that there is no difference in clinical efficacy between a pine-tar product and its vehicle for AD.Methods: A 3-month, investigator-blinded, crossover, randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted in which each patient was assigned to bathing with pine-tar bath oil for one month and vehicle bath oil for another, with a washout period of 1-month in-between. Acceptability and efficacy of the bath products were measured. Disease severity scores (scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) and patient-oriented eczema measure (POEM), quality of life questionnaires, noninvasive skin biophysiological measurements, blood IgE levels, and Staphylococcus aureus (SA) colonization status were assessed before and following bathing.Results: Significant improvements were found in total SCORAD (p = .030), POEM (p = .004), SA colonization status (p = .002), and log-transformed IgE level (p = .009) among patients who bathed with pine-tar in the overall RCT study using intention-to-treat analysis. For per protocol analysis, significant improvements were found in total SCORAD (p = .024), objective SCORAD (p = .011), extent (p = .014), intensity (p = .032), pruritus (p = .047), POEM (p = .044), SA colonization status (p = .035), and log-transformed IgE level (p = .028). Acceptability to both bath-oils was good, and no product-related serious adverse events were recorded.Conclusions: Bathing with pine-tar is an efficacious and recommendable adjuvant practice for AD patients. Disease improvement is associated with reduction of SA and IgE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wing Gi Gigi Ng
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kam Lun Hon
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | | | - Nam Sze Cheng
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Mark Jean-Aan Koh
- Department of Dermatology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Huaiqiu Huang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Vivian W Y Lee
- CLEAR - Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ting Fan Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jamil A, Lee C. Skin pH and its relationship with transepidermal water loss and disease severity in children with atopic dermatitis: A cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY & DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/jdds.jdds_33_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|
9
|
Assessing Biophysical and Physiological Profiles of Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis in the Thai Population. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:5128376. [PMID: 31360714 PMCID: PMC6644260 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5128376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Scalp seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common and chronic inflammatory skin disease which tends to recur over time. By measuring biophysical properties of the stratum corneum, many studies report abnormal biophysical profiles and their association in various dermatologic diseases. The aim of the study is to analyze the biophysical properties and skin barrier defects of scalp SD compared to healthy controls. Materials and Methods This study is a cross-sectional study assessing the correlation of various biophysical and physiological profiles in scalp SD. Forty-two Thai participants with scalp SD were enrolled in the study and 40 healthy participants were also enrolled as the control group. Both SD and control group were subjected to a one-time biophysical and physiological properties' measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), skin surface pH, skin surface lipid, and skin roughness. Results The mean TEWL of lesional skin of SD cases were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05). Relating to high mean TEWL, the mean SCH was found to be significantly lower in SD cases (P<0.05). Skin surface lipid was also found to be significantly higher in SD group (P<0.05). However, there were no differences in skin surface pH (P=0.104) and roughness (P=0.308) between the two groups. Pairwise comparison of each subgroup found that moderate and severe SD demonstrated significantly higher mean skin surface lipid than that of control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Scalp SD may be associated with seborrhea in Thai population. Monitoring of SCH, TEWL, and skin surface lipid could be helpful in assessing severity and evaluating the treatment outcome in patients with scalp SD.
Collapse
|
10
|
Hon KL, Ng WGG, Kung JSC, Leung PC, Leung TF. Pilot Studies on Two Complementary Bath Products for Atopic Dermatitis Children: Pine-Tar and Tea. MEDICINES 2019; 6:medicines6010008. [PMID: 30626074 PMCID: PMC6473907 DOI: 10.3390/medicines6010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Few standardized bath product clinical trials were performed for atopic dermatitis patients. Pine-tar and green tea extracts are plant-derived products that have been described as having anti-allergic effects which may reduce AD disease severity. Methods: The efficacy of two complementary bath products was studied and compared. Efficacy and acceptability of the bath products were measured by patient general acceptability of treatment (GAT: very good, good, fair or poor), disease severity (SCORAD: SCoring Atopic Dermatitis), quality of life (CDLQI: Children Dermatology Life Quality Index), and pertinent clinical parameters were measured before and after four weeks of treatment. Sample size calculations for further clinical trials were performed. In one group, nine AD patients were subjected to bathing with a pine-tar bath oil for 10–15 min daily for four weeks. In another group, 20 AD subjects bathed with a teabag containing green tea extracts for four weeks. Results: Significant improvements in clinical- and patient-orientated parameters were found in the pine-tar bathing group, but not the tea-bag bathing group. Both groups reported very good/good GAT on the studied products. Teabag bathing was considered not efficacious for further clinical trials. Conclusions: The pilot studies provided preliminary data on the efficacy of pine tar bath oil. We do not document a significant efficacy for bathing with tea extracts. Bathing with pine-tar is potentially a complementary topical treatment with good patient acceptance and adherence, but further evidence-based research for its recommendations is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kam Lun Hon
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 00852, China.
| | - Wing Gi Gigi Ng
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 00852, China.
| | - Jeng Sum C Kung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 00852, China.
| | - Ping Chung Leung
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 00852, China.
| | - Ting Fan Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 00852, China.
| |
Collapse
|