Derivation, Evaluation, and Validation of Illustrations of Key Counselling Points for a Pediatric Eczema Action Plan

BACKGROUND

Current eczema action plans (EAP) are based on written instructions without illustrations. Incorporating validated illustrations into EAPs can significantly improve comprehension and usability.

OBJECTIVE

To produce and validate a set of illustrations for key counselling points of a pediatric EAP.

METHODS

Illustrations were developed using key graphic elements and refined by subject experts. Illustrations were evaluated during one-on-one structured interviews with parents/caregivers of children ages 9 and younger, as well as with children ages 10 to 17 years between September 2015 and June 2016. The concepts of transparency, translucency, and short-term recall were assessed for validation.

RESULTS

Of 245 participants, 81.3% were parents and/or caregivers of children 0 to 9 years old, and 18.7% were children between 10 and 17 years old. A total of 15 illustrations and 2 storyboards were evaluated; 9 illustrations and 2 storyboards were redesigned to reach the preset validation targets. Overall, 13 illustrations and 2 storyboards were validated.

CONCLUSION

A set of illustrations for use in an EAP was prospectively designed and validated, achieving acceptable transparency, translucency, and recall, with input from patients and a multidisciplinary medical team. The incorporation of validated illustrations into eczema action plans benefits patients with limited health literacy. Future studies should evaluate if illustrations improve understanding of eczema management and translate into improved clinical outcomes.

Pharmacokinetic Profile, Safety, and Tolerability of Crisaborole Topical Ointment, 2% in Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis: An Open-Label Phase 2a Study

BACKGROUND

Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) is an emerging target in treating inflammatory skin diseases. Crisaborole topical ointment, 2% is a novel, boron-based, topical PDE4 inhibitor under investigation for treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD).

METHODS

Adolescent patients aged 12 to 17 years with treatable AD lesions involving ≥ 10% to ≤ 35% body surface area (BSA) were enrolled into a phase 2a, open-label study comprising pharmacokinetic (PK), safety, tolerability, and efficacy assessments. Crisaborole topical ointment, 2% was applied twice daily to affected areas for 28 days, with dosage based on baseline treatable BSA. PK blood samples were collected on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 9. Safety assessments included adverse events (AEs), laboratory parameters, and vital signs. Efficacy assessments included the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) score and severity of AD signs and symptoms.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were enrolled; 22 completed the study (1 patient discontinued due to an AE [application site dermatitis]). PK analysis demonstrated limited exposure to crisaborole topical ointment, 2% after 8 days of dosing. Ten patients reported a total of 19 AEs, most commonly application site pain and nasopharyngitis (3 patients each). There were no clinically meaningful changes in laboratory or vital sign parameters. Efficacy was demonstrated by reductions in mean ISGA and AD sign and symptom severity scores. At day 29, eight patients (35%) had achieved an ISGA score ≤ 1 with ≥ 2-grade improvement. Mean treatable BSA declined from 17.6% to 8.2%.

CONCLUSION

These results provide preliminary evidence for the limited systemic exposure, safety, and effectiveness of crisaborole topical ointment, 2% in adolescents with mild to moderate AD.