Quality of life among patients with rosacea: an investigation of patients in China using two structured questionnaires

Health-related Quality of Life of Patients with Rosacea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Real-world Data

Patients with rosacea commonly experience stigmatization, which induces stress and thereby exacerbates their symptoms. Given the strong effects of rosacea on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), addressing the physical and psychosocial aspects of rosacea is essential. To examine the effects of rosacea on HRQoL, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis involving real-world data. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cross-sectional studies, and case series evaluating the HRQoL of patients with rosacea were included. HRQoL assessment tools such as the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Rosacea-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (RosaQoL) were used. Data on 13,453 patients were retrieved from 52 eligible studies: 4 RCTs, 15 case series, and 33 cross-sectional studies. Compared with healthy controls, patients with rosacea had significantly lower DLQI scores (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.81 to -1.37). The DLQI scores after treatment were higher than those before treatment (SMD = -1.451, 95% CI = -1.091 to -1.810). The pooled estimates for the overall DLQI and RosaQoL scores were 8.61 and 3.06, respectively. In conclusion, patients with rosacea have lower HRQoL compared with healthy individuals, and treatment for rosacea improves their HRQoL.

Quality of life measurement in rosacea. Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Forces on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes and Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Forces (TFs) on Quality of Life (QoL) and Patient-Oriented Outcomes and Acne, Rosacea and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (ARHS) do not recommend the use of any generic instrument as a single method of Health Related (HR) QoL assessment in rosacea, except when comparing quimp (quality of life impairment) in rosacea patients with that in other non-dermatologic skin diseases and/or healthy controls. The EADV TFs on QoL and Patient-Oriented Outcomes and ARHS recommend the use of the dermatology-specific HRQoL instrument the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the rosacea-specific HRQoL instrument RosaQoL in rosacea patients. The DLQI minimal clinically important difference may be used as a marker of clinical efficacy of the treatment and DLQI score banding of 0 or 1 corresponding to no effect on patients' HRQoL could be an important treatment goal. This information may be added to consensuses and guidelines for rosacea.

Efficacy of diammonium glycyrrhizinate in the treatment of rosacea with papules and pustules: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Rosacea is a kind of chronic inflammatory skin disease that usually occurs in the middle of the face. Diammonium glycyrrhizinate (DG), an effective monomer component extracted from licorice, has extensive anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, and immunomodulatory effects. There is no research on its therapeutic effect on rosacea. In this study, we divided rosacea patients mainly characterized by papules and pustules randomly into three groups. Group A received clarithromycin 500 mg once a day, isotretinoin 10 mg once a day; Group B received DG 150 mg three times a day, other medicines were the same as Group A; Group C received clarithromycin 250 mg once a day, isotretinoin 10 mg once every 2 days, and DG 150 mg three times a day. All patients' symptom scores and laboratory tests were evaluated when followed up. We found that DG combined with clarithromycin and isotretinoin in the treatment of rosacea was more effective and quicker than clarithromycin and isotretinoin alone. Moreover, half common dosage of clarithromycin and isotretinoin combined with DG could achieve the same therapeutic effect as the conventional dose, and brought about lower incidences of adverse events (AEs). Therefore, it is recommended to use half common dosage of routine medication combined with DG for rosacea patients mainly characterized by papules and pustules.

Health Related Quality of Life of Rosacea Patients in China Assessed by Dermatology Life Quality Index and Willingness to Pay

PURPOSE

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis mainly involving facial skin, leading to physical and emotional problems, which greatly affect the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and willingness to pay (WTP) are well-established instruments assessing the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), while very few studies have been focused on this topic about rosacea in China. The present study investigated HRQoL in Chinese rosacea patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 973 patients with rosacea. Sociodemographic data, clinical features and DLQI were collected, and WTP was assessed by three standardized items. Multivariable logistic analysis was performed to investigate independent factors influencing QoL.

RESULTS

A total of 921 questionnaires were accomplished by participants. The mean DLQI score was 11.6 (median 11). Patients were willing to pay an average of € 896.2 (median € 368.1) for complete cure. 33.3% would like to pay more than 20% of their monthly income to achieve sustainable control. There were positive correlations between WTP with DLQI (P < 0.05). DLQI could be independently impacted by age (21-30 and 31-40 relative to > 50, OR = 3.242 and 3.617, respectively), the occupational requirement of appearance (high, OR = 4.410), disease duration (< 2 years, OR = 1.582), edema (OR = 1.844) and severity of flushing, burning, stinging and pruritus (severe, OR = 2.003, 1.981, 2.491, 2.249, respectively). There were no significant associations between WTP and most of the clinical factors.

CONCLUSION

The QoL was greatly impaired and should not be ignored among rosacea patients in China. Patients aged 21-40y, having occupational requirement of appearance, with the disease duration less than 2 years, and suffering severe flushing and related sensitive symptoms were more likely to have severe or very severe limitation of QoL.

Consensus on the therapeutic management of rosacea - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

BACKGROUND

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, relatively more frequent in women over 30 with a low phototype and proven genetic predisposition. Although its etiology is unknown and possibly multifactorial, the immunological abnormality, associated with neurovascular dysregulation and triggering factors, are important elements in its pathophysiology, which lead to the main changes of inflammation, vasodilation, and angiogenesis that are responsible for the clinical manifestations. Despite the lack of cure, numerous therapeutic options are available for the different clinical presentations of the disease, with satisfactory responses.

OBJECTIVE

To reach a consensus, with recommendations from experts, on the therapeutic management of rosacea suitable to the Brazilian setting.

METHODS

The study was conducted by five specialized dermatologists from university centers, representatives of the different Brazilian regions, with experience in rosacea, who were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. Based on the adapted DELPHI methodology, the experts contributed through an updated bibliographic review of the scientific evidence, combined with personal experiences.

RESULTS

The group of experts reached a consensus on the relevant aspects in the therapeutic management of rosacea, providing information on epidemiology, pathophysiology, triggering factors, clinical condition, classification, quality of life, and comorbidities. Consensus was defined as approval by at least 90% of the panel.

CONCLUSION

Despite the impossibility of cure, there are several therapeutic alternatives specific to each patient that provide excellent results, with chances of total improvement and long periods of remission, promoting a positive impact on quality of life. This consensus provides detailed guidance for clinical practice and therapeutic decisions in rosacea.

Treatment of Rosacea using acupuncture for improving the local skin microcirculation: A case report

RATIONALE

Rosacea is an irritating disease that affects patients' health and life quality. The current treatments for rosacea have limited efficacy and are generally not satisfying most patients. This report presents a patient diagnosed with rosacea who was treated with acupuncture to a satisfactory effect. Laser Doppler was used to measure the local blood perfusion of the nose before, during, and after acupuncture treatment. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to measure the impact of rosacea on the quality of the patient's life.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 52-year-old woman had been diagnosed with rosacea 18 months before this study. She had tried medical treatments in other hospitals with metronidazole cream, antifungal drugs, and steroidal ointments, but the effect was poor and limited.

DIAGNOSES

In this study, the diagnosis of rosacea (stage I, subtype Erythematotelangiectatic) was made by a dermatologist according to physical examination).

INTERVENTIONS

The patient's treatment included a half-hour of acupuncture 3 times per week.

OUTCOMES

The patient experienced significant improvements in the region around the nose after 3 sessions of acupuncture treatment within the first week and reported that there was no relapse for 6 months after acupuncture treatment. The perfusion of blood flow was redistributed during and after acupuncture treatment according to laser Doppler measurements. The patient's DLQI score substantially improved. The patient was generally satisfied with the acupuncture treatment.

LESSONS

The results suggested that acupuncture might be an alternative therapy for facial localized rosacea. As well, acupuncture may be effective in treating rosacea through redistributing micro-circulation of blood at the localized area of effect. The overall costs of the rosacea treatment may be reduced, provided that this therapy is demonstrated to be effective in future controlled studies.