Quality of life is severely compromised in adult patients with atopic dermatitis in Brazil, especially due to mental components

The Influence of Atopic Dermatitis on Health-Related Quality of Life in Bangladesh

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the foremost non-fatal skin-related disease that affects all age groups. Despite the growing prevalence of AD in low- and middle-income countries, its physiological consequences remain overlooked in countries like Bangladesh. Therefore, we aim to assess and characterize the influence of AD on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Bangladeshi patients. A cross-sectional study comprising 184 eligible adults (83 men and 101 women; mean age, 33.46 ± 15.44 years) was conducted at the dermatology outpatient department of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital (a tertiary hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh). AD was determined using the UK Working Party criteria. A structured questionnaire, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were administered to obtain information on patient characteristics, AD severity, and HRQoL. The mean DLQI score for the entire sample was 11.29 ± 5.27 (range, 1–26), and 51.60% reported the disease greatly affected their lives. Bivariate analysis revealed significant differences in self-rated health measures of DLQI scores in terms of self-reported AD severity, overall health, and the EASI. In multivariable regression models adjusted for patient characteristics, the self-perceived severe AD group reported significantly higher DLQI scores (coefficient = 2.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.38–5.05; p = 0.022) than the mild group. Concurrently, we observed a substantial increase in the DLQI scores among patients with moderate and severe EASI scores (coefficient = 1.96, 95% CI = 0.08–3.92, p < 0.05 and coefficient = 4.35, 95% CI = 1.98–6.72, p < 0.001, respectively) than in those with mild EASI scores, suggesting that HRQoL was markedly influenced by greater AD severity. These findings highlight the need for a more patient-centric approach to the management of AD in order to alleviate patient suffering and, thereby, improve HRQoL.

The Keloid Intervention Benefit Inventory 21: A New Assessment Tool for the Quality of Life of Patients with Auricular Keloids

The assessment of the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic diseases before and after medical interventions has gained increasing importance in recent decades. Particularly for patients with visible keloid scars in the head and neck region, standardized measurement tools are either absent or have been shown to be insufficient. The aim of the present study was to create a new standardized questionnaire that is specific to auricular keloid patients and reflects their clinical symptoms and QoL. The Keloid Intervention Benefit Inventory 21 (KIBI-21) questionnaire was developed in two stages. First, a group of experts identified a pool of 26 questions and modified and supplemented the items through a comparison with existing QoL assessments so that they related to keloid-specific clinical symptoms and the QoL of patients with auricular keloids before and after a medical intervention. This questionnaire was distributed to 27 outpatients who had undergone medical interventions for visible auricular keloids. Second, a sequential statistical analysis was conducted. This included a single-item assessment and reduction, analysis for internal consistency, construct validity, and divergence validity as well as a factor analysis. The analyses were performed for the entire questionnaire and for the items in the subcategories General Health, Physical Symptoms, Self-Esteem, and Social Impact. The final version of this newly validated and standardized KIBI questionnaire consisted of 21 items, of which each item was assigned to only one subscale. The questionnaire showed a Cronbach's α of 0.84 with a good internal consistency. In the item correlation validity, strong associations were found in all subscales, except for the Social Impact Subscale. The keloid-specific QoL questionnaire KIBI-21 proved to be a reliable and reproducible instrument to assess the QoL and clinical symptoms in patients suffering from auricular keloids before and after a medical treatment.

Impact of atopic dermatitis on quality of life in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) can affect quality of life (QoL) of adult patients in whom the condition can be severe and persistent. There are currently no systematic reviews of the impact of AD on adults. This paper provides the first systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the impact of AD on QoL in adults. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published until October 2018. Inclusion criteria were a clinical diagnosis of AD, adult patients, and QoL as an outcome measure. Interventions were excluded. A total of 32 studies were included. While QoL was assessed using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in 25 studies, there was heterogeneity in the tools used to measure disease severity across studies. Meta-analysis of the seven studies that used the SCORAD to measure disease severity showed severity to be significantly related to poorer QoL. The remaining 18 studies also showed increased disease severity significantly related to poorer QoL. When compared to healthy controls, AD patients demonstrated significantly lower QoL, but findings were mixed in studies that compared QoL in AD to other skin conditions. The findings highlight the significant impact that AD has on QoL in adults and the need for validated and relevant QoL measures to be implemented in clinical assessments for AD. Areas that require further research include an exploration of gender differences in QoL and the use of longitudinal study designs to explore factors that may cause differences in QoL ratings.

Asthma, atopy and serious psychological distress: prevalence and risk factors among young people in the Melbourne atopy cohort study

Background: While atopic conditions are associated with increased risk of mental health problems, the evidence that a range of allergic conditions are associated with psychological distress in young people is less clear.Methods: We recruited a longitudinal birth cohort study of 620 children with a family history of allergic disease. At the 18-year follow up, atopic sensitization was determined by skin prick testing. Surveys were used to determine psychological distress (Kessler 6), quality of life (SF12), respiratory symptoms and management, presence of current eczema and hay fever. Regression models were used to identify predictors of psychological distress and quality of life, while controlling for potential confounders.Results: Prevalence of serious psychological distress was quite low (n = 22, 5.3%), and there were no associations between psychological distress and current atopic sensitization, symptoms of hay fever, eczema or asthma. Smoking status and lower level of maternal education were associated with lower physical quality of life (SF12 PCS subscale). Psychological distress total score, lower maternal education, smoking, female sex, and current eczema were associated with worse mental quality of life (SF12 MCS subscale).Conclusion: We found relatively low levels of psychological distress in this cohort of young adults, despite a high prevalence of allergic diseases. Positive social factors may serve to buffer psychological distress amongst the cohort accounting for the low prevalence of serious psychological distress observed.

Validation of an Egyptian Arabic Version of Skindex-16 and Quality of Life Measurement in Egyptian Patients with Skin Disease

PURPOSE

To translate and cross-culturally adapt the Skindex-16, a brief skin-disease-specific QoL questionnaire, into Arabic for Egyptians and to evaluate its measurement properties in Egyptian patients with skin disease.

METHOD

Translation and cultural adaption were performed following guidelines for cross-cultural adaption of health-related quality of life measures. Subsequently, Skindex-16 was administered to 500 consecutive dermatological patients and 500 healthy persons for verification of its reliability and validity. Next, we examined the effect of skin disorders on QoL as well as influences of age, sex, socioeconomic level, education, and use of medication on skin disease-related QoL.

RESULTS

The instrument showed high internal consistency reliability and good construct and content validity. The quality of life was most deteriorated in the emotional domain followed by symptoms domain (mean percentage score 55.5 ± 23.1 and 31.7 ± 26.8 respectively), while functioning was the least affected domain (mean percentage score 29.1 ± 26.8). Higher total Skindex-16 scores were observed for patients with psoriasis, urticaria, acne, and atopic dermatitis than those with vitiligo and alopecia areata. Educational level, social class, medication use, and family history influenced the impact of skin disease on overall QoL.

CONCLUSION

The adapted Egyptian Arabic version of Skindex-16 is valid and reliable; it showed that skin problems had a clinically significant impact on QoL in Egyptian patients.

Patient impact and economic burden of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis

OBJECTIVE

To present a systematic review of studies conducted to evaluate patient impact and economic burden of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

A MEDLINE (via PubMed), Excerpta Medica database (Embase), and Cochrane Library search for English-language articles published January 1, 1996-December 31, 2016 was performed. Abstracts were manually reviewed from 2015-2016 from 10 leading conferences and congresses associated with atopic dermatitis. Manuscripts were reviewed for inclusion in two main categories within the review: patient impact of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis and economic burden of atopic dermatitis. Excluded from this dataset were any patients in these studies who had severe atopic dermatitis, moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, or atopic dermatitis of unspecified severity.

RESULTS

In total, 222 studies qualified for inclusion in the analysis; this report focuses on the 76 studies that reported results stratified by disease severity. Measured by general and specific instruments, even mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis reduces the overall quality-of-life of patients and their caregivers/families. Disease severity assessed by validated severity instruments directly correlated with quality-of-life. Treatment of atopic dermatitis can improve the quality-of-life of patients and their caregivers/families by alleviation of symptoms and reduction in severity. In general, total costs increased as disease severity increased; even mild atopic dermatitis imposed substantial costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The results emphasize the impact of atopic dermatitis, especially mild atopic dermatitis, on patient lives and finances, including education of clinicians, payers, and patients regarding benefits associated with treatment adherence.

Severity strata for POEM, PO-SCORAD, and DLQI in US adults with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) is the preferred patient-reported outcome (PRO) for assessing symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD). Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is commonly used to assess the burden of skin disease. Previous severity strata were developed for POEM and DLQI in clinical cohorts, which may be biased toward more severe disease. Severity strata were not previously examined in population-based cohorts. Patient-Oriented Scoring AD (PO-SCORAD) is another commonly used PRO for assessing AD symptoms; however, severity strata are not established.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to confirm previously developed strata for POEM and DLQI, and to develop strata for the PO-SCORAD in a population-based cohort of adults with AD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, population-based study of 8,217 adults was performed using a structured questionnaire. A diagnosis of AD was determined using modified UK Diagnostic Criteria for AD (n = 602). AD severity was assessed using self-reported global AD severity (anchoring question), POEM, PO-SCORAD, and DLQI. Strata were selected using an anchoring approach based on patient-reported disease severity.

RESULTS

We confirmed the existing strata for DLQI (mild = 0-5, moderate = 6-10, severe = 11-30) (kappa = 0.446). However, the preferred strata for POEM was mild = 0-7, moderate = 8-19, and severe = 20-28 (kappa = 0.409) and PO-SCORAD was mild = 1-27, moderate = 28-56, severe = 57-104 (kappa = 0.444).

CONCLUSION

Existing strata for DLQI performed well in a population-based cohort of adult AD. The optimal severity strata for the POEM in our AD population varies slightly from those previously published for AD. This may suggest that different strata may be optimal in different study settings and cohorts. Finally, we proposed new strata for PO-SCORAD in adult AD.

Severity strata for five patient-reported outcomes in adults with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Several patient-reported outcomes have been used to assess the burden of atopic dermatitis (AD). Some are disease specific, such as the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), while others pertain to itch, for example the numerical rating scale (NRS)-itch, ItchyQoL and 5-D itch, or dermatological disease in general, for example the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Development of severity strata is essential for proper interpretability of these assessments.

OBJECTIVES

To confirm previously developed strata for POEM, DLQI and raw ItchyQoL, and develop strata for the NRS-itch, mean ItchyQoL and 5-D itch scale for use in adults with AD.

METHODS

Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 210 adults with AD in a dermatology practice setting. Strata were selected using an anchoring approach based on patient-reported disease severity.

RESULTS

We confirmed the existing strata for POEM (mild 0-7, moderate 8-16, severe 17-28; κ = 0·440), DLQI (mild 0-5, moderate 6-10, severe 11-30; κ = 0·398) and NRS-itch (mild 0-3, moderate 4-6, severe 7-10; κ = 0·499). However, the preferred band for raw ItchyQoL was mild 22-58, moderate 59-74 and severe 75-110 (κ = 0·379) and for mean ItchyQoL, mild 1-2·9, moderate 3·0-3·9, severe 4·0-5·0 (κ = 0·374). The preferred band for 5-D itch scale was mild 0-11, moderate 12-17 and severe 18-25 (κ = 0·331).

CONCLUSIONS

Existing strata for POEM and DLQI performed well in adult AD. Previously reported strata for visual analogue scale-itch performed best for NRS-itch. We identified banding for the raw ItchyQoL for our AD population that varies slightly from the banding published for a more heterogeneous population. Finally, we proposed strata for mean ItchyQoL and 5-D itch scale in adult AD.

The burden of common skin diseases assessed with the EQ5D™: a European multicentre study in 13 countries

BACKGROUND

Generic instruments measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL), like EQ5D™, enable comparison of skin diseases with healthy populations and nondermatological medical conditions, as well as calculation of utility data.

OBJECTIVES

To measure HRQoL in patients with common skin diseases and healthy controls across Europe using the EQ5D.

METHODS

This multicentre observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 European countries. Each dermatology clinic recruited at least 250 consecutive adult outpatients to complete questionnaires, including the EQ5D.

RESULTS

There were 5369 participants (4010 patients and 1359 controls). Mean ± SD self-rated health state reported by patients was 69·9 ± 19·7; for controls it was 82·2 ± 15·5. When adjusted for confounding factors, including comorbidity, mean patient EQ visual analogue scores were 10·5 points lower than for controls (standardized β = -0·23). Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval for impairment in all five dimensions of EQ5D adjusted for confounders was doubled for patients compared with controls. Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), blistering conditions, leg ulcers, psoriasis and eczemas had the highest risk for reduction in HRQoL in most dimensions (2-10-fold). Data on differences of impairment by dimensions offer new insights.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the large impact skin conditions have on patients' well-being, differentiating between aspects of HRQoL. Patients with HS, blistering diseases, leg ulcers, infections and most chronic skin diseases reported reduced HRQoL compared with patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and cancers. These findings are important in the prioritization of resource allocation between medical fields and within dermatological subspecialities.

Association between adult atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular disease, and increased heart attacks in three population-based studies

BACKGROUND

Adults with eczema are more likely to smoke cigarettes, consume alcohol, and have sedentary lifestyle. We sought to determine whether adult eczema is associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

METHODS

Data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (n = 4970) and 2010 (n = 27 157) and 2012 (n = 34 525) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). History of coronary artery disease (CAD), angina, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) were determined.

RESULTS

In NHANES, flexural eczema in the past year was associated with significantly higher odds of CAD (P ≤ 0.04), heart attack (P ≤ 0.01), and congestive heart failure (P ≤ 0.02), but not with stroke (P ≥ 0.37), in survey-weighted multivariate logistic regression models that controlled for socio-demographics, comorbid asthma, and hay fever. Similarly, in NHIS 2010 and 2012, 1-year history of eczema was associated with significantly higher odds of CAD (P ≤ 0.02), angina (P ≤ 0.02), heart attack (P ≤ 0.047), other heart disease (P < 0.0001), stroke (P ≤ 0.02), and PVD (<0.0001) in multivariate models.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with atopic dermatitis may have increased cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Translation and validation of Portuguese of a questionnaire for evaluation of psychosomatic symptoms in adults with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

atopic dermatitis is directly related to psychological stress, reduced quality of life and psychosomatic symptoms. The Psychosomatic Scale for Atopic Dermatitis is the only questionnaire developed specifically for assessment of psychosomatization in atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVES

the objective of this study was to cross-culturally adapt and validate a Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Psychosomatic Scale for Atopic Dermatitis.

METHODS

adaptation consisted of independent translation and backtranslation by three bilingual translators, followed by a pre-test. The Psychosomatic Scale for Atopic Dermatitis and the Dermatology Life Quality Index were self-administered to 47 patients with atopic dermatitis. Disease severity was evaluated using the Eczema Area and Severity Index. Factor analysis was used to identify the dimensions of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Psychosomatic Scale for Atopic Dermatitis. Internal consistency and convergence validity were also analyzed. Reproducibility was assessed using the Kappa coefficient.

RESULTS

factor analysis revealed a two-dimensional structure: stress/laziness/insecurity (I) and maladjustment/social relationships (II), explaining 54.4% of total variance. All dimensions revealed excellent internal consistency. External construct validity was confirmed by positive correlations between the Psychosomatic Scale for Atopic Dermatitis and the Dermatology Life Quality Index. Test-retest reliability was excellent, with k>0.7 for all questions.

CONCLUSIONS

the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Psychosomatic Scale for Atopic Dermatitis demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and can be used for the evaluation of psychosomatic symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis and as a tool in clinical and epidemiological research.

Fragrance allergy and quality of life - development and validation of a disease-specific quality of life instrument

BACKGROUND

Fragrance allergy is a lifelong condition that may give rise to permanent or recurrent contact dermatitis and may affect quality of life (QoL). The effect on QoL has not yet been investigated, and no disease-specific QoL instrument for fragrance allergy exists.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a disease-specific instrument to investigate QoL among fragrance-allergic subjects.

METHOD

A fragrance QoL instrument (FQL index) was developed on the basis of narratives from 68 fragrance-allergic subjects, and consisted of 13 items. It was tested in a postal survey among 1650 participants patch tested at Gentofte University Hospital (2000-2010). The survey included other QoL instruments [Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Short Form 36 (SF36) version 2] and questions on eczema severity (response rate of 66%). A retest was conducted after 3-6 months (response rate of 72.5%).

RESULTS

The FQL index showed a significant and strong correlation with the DLQI (rS  = 0.70), and disease severity, but a weak correlation with SF36 [mental component summary score, rS  = - 0.22; physical component summary score, rS  = - 0.31]. Good reliability and responsiveness to changes in disease severity were seen.

CONCLUSION

The FQL index is a good instrument with which to investigate QoL in subjects with fragrance allergy. Good correlations with the DLQI and self-estimated disease severity were seen, and it showed good reliability, reproducibility and ability to distinguish changes in disease severity.

Health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction, and adherence to treatment in patients with moderate or severe atopic dermatitis on maintenance therapy: the CONDA-SAT study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQOL), patient satisfaction, and adherence to treatment in patients with moderate or severe atopic dermatitis on maintenance therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a national, multicenter, cross-sectional, epidemiological study in adults and children with moderate or severe atopic dermatitis of at least 16 months' duration who were receiving maintenance therapy. We used the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the children's version of this scale (cDLQI), and the Morisky medication adherence scale. Visual analog scales were used to measure treatment satisfaction. We used the Mann-Whitney U test to compare HRQOL between patients with moderate and severe disease and the Wilcoxon test to compare the frequency and duration of flares before and after the start of maintenance therapy.

RESULTS

We studied 141 children and 141 adults; the prevalence of moderate AD in these groups was 85.8% and 79.4%, respectively. The impact of AD on HRQOL was mild to moderate. Maintenance therapy led to a significant decrease in the frequency and duration of flares (P < .001). While treatment satisfaction was high in both groups, adherence was poor (18.4%-42.6% in children and 14.9%-27.0% in adults).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with moderate and severe AD receiving maintenance therapy experience a reduction in the number and duration of flares and an improvement in HRQOL. While treatment satisfaction is high, adherence rates could be improved.

Quality of life of patients with paucibacillary leprosy

BACKGROUND

Leprosy, an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, can affect the skin and the peripheral nervous system and, depending on the level of involvement, it can lead to severe deformities. Leprosy is classified into two major groups: paucibacillary (up to five lesions) and multibacillary (more than five lesions). The deformities that appear during the progress of the disease can affect the quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

To assess quality of life of patients with paucibacillary leprosy diagnosed and treated early in the outpatients' clinic.

METHODS

The Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire and ShortForm36 were applied to 49 outpatients undergoing treatment at the Leprosy Multidisciplinary Group of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculdade de Medicina of the Universidade de São Paulo.

RESULTS

The majority of the patients (63%) did not show impairment of the quality of life, according to the results obtained by the Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire. In the questionnaire Short Form-36, the scores assessed showed slight impairment of the quality of life.

CONCLUSION

On this study, we can conclude that this group of patients, with paucibacillary leprosy, did not show important impairment of the quality of life. Therefore we can conclude that the earlier the diagnosis and the treatment the lesser the influence on the quality of life.

Quality of life in children and teenagers with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Atopic Dermatitis is a disease which has increased during the past years despite our improved understanding of it. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of Atopic Dermatitis in the quality of life of children and teenagers and their family. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional method with prospective data collection of 50 children and teenagers diagnosed with Atopic Dermatitis ranging in age from 5-16 years. Fifty parents and/or guardians answered the quality of life questionnaires The Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index and Family Dermatitis Impact Questionnaire. The socio-demographic and clinical variables were evaluated by a clinical record chart designed specifically for the research and socioeconomic standardized questionnaire by the Brazilian Association of Research Enterprises, which evaluates assets acquired and the educational level of the head of the household. RESULTS: Thirty-five out of the 50 patients were female (70%), and 28 (56%) of them were from social class C. The Questionnaire Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index showed that 19 (38%) patients ranged from 7 to 12 points (moderate impact of atopic dermatitis) and 17 patients (34%) ranged from 13 to 30 points (high impact of atopic dermatitis). The Family Dermatitis Impact Questionnaire revealed that 15 (30%) families had scores between 7 and 12 points and 22 families (44%) scored between 13 and 30 points. CONCLUSION: The results show that there is a very high impact on the QoL for atopic dermatitis patients and their families. This makes us suggest the importance of including the quality of life study in clinical evaluations.

Impact of atopic dermatitis on health-related quality of life in Spanish children and adults: the PSEDA study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects both children and adults. The main symptom of this disease is pruritus, which impacts health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of AD on the lives of children and adults with this disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a multicenter prospective epidemiological study of children (2-17 years) and adults (≥ 18 years) with AD selected from dermatology offices in Spain. The patients had all had AD for at least a year and had no other chronic inflammatory skin diseases. In addition to sociodemographic information, the data collected included the clinical features of AD and the results of patient-centered questionnaires: the Itch Severity Scale (ISS), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the children's version of this questionnaire (cDLQI).

RESULTS

We studied 151 children and 172 adults. The mean (SD) age of the children was 9.4 (4.5) years and 51.7% were boys. In the case of adults, the mean age was 32.3 (13.4) years and 58.7% were women. Among the children, the ISS score increased with disease severity and in the adults, both the frequency and intensity of pruritus increased with disease severity (P<.05 in both cases); 79% of the children and 87.1% of the adults reported difficulty sleeping. In both populations, overall and subscale DLQI and cDLQI scores varied according to disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

AD affects HRQOL in both children and adults and its impact is correlated with the presence and intensity of pruritus.

Comparative analysis of the quality of life of patients with discoid lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus with skin injuries

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with cutaneous and vascular lesions. Both discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus (SLE) affect the skin. Visible skin lesions in young women can cause loss of self esteem. In the present study we aimed to evaluate and compare the quality of life in SLE and LED through an observational study of 64 patients. These patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: SLE (n = 38); group 2: DLE (n = 26) and then completed the quality of life questionnaire - Dermatology Life Quality Index or DLQI. It was found that patients with DLE have a worse quality of life than patients with SLE. It is believed that this fact is generated by the difference in the spectrum of injuries.

Health-related quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing condition that can have considerable effects on the patients' quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to measure the health-related QOL in patients with AD, using generic and specific instruments, to compare the scores obtained by different instruments and to verify the relationship between them. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 132 outpatients with AD. To assess the QOL, Short Form 36 (SF-36), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) were administered. In order to assess the disease severity of AD, we used the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and physician assessment of disease severity. Stressful life events during the last 12 months were assessed with Paykel's Interview for Recent Life Events. Patients with AD had inferior social functioning and mental health scores compared with the general population. The correlations between the DLQI and SF-36 were found for the mental components of the QOL. Increasing disease severity was associated with greater impairment in QOL in both, children and adults. Our study found the influence of the stressful life events on the role emotional of AD patients. These results demonstrate that AD influences health-related QOL, especially in children. This study supports the decision to use both generic and skin-specific instruments to assess the impact of AD on QOL.