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Richard MA. Reply to the comment of Bootsma et al. on 'The journey of patients with skin diseases from the first consultation to the diagnosis in a representative sample of the European general population from the EADV burden of skin diseases study'. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:e739-e740. [PMID: 38380507 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Aleth Richard
- CEReSS-EA 3279, Research Centrer in Health Services and Quality of Life Aix Marseille University, Dermatology Department, Universitary Hospital Timone, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, APHM, Marseille, France
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Al Hammadi A, Parmar NV, Aljefri K, Al Sharif O, Abdallah M, Ahmed HM, Ammoury A. Review on Alopecia Areata in the Middle East and Africa: Landscape and Unmet Needs. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2023:10.1007/s13555-023-00946-8. [PMID: 37338721 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-00946-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by non-scarring hair loss in adults and children. Clinical manifestations range from hair loss in small, well-circumscribed patches to total hair loss on the scalp or any other hair-bearing areas. Although the exact pathogenesis of AA is not fully understood, it is thought that loss of immune privilege caused by immunological dysregulation of the hair follicle is key. Genetic susceptibility also plays a role. Response to currently available treatments is widely variable, causing patient dissatisfaction and creating an unmet need. AA is frequently associated with multiple comorbidities, further affecting patient quality of life. AIMS AND FINDINGS AA causes a significant burden on dermatologists and healthcare systems in the Middle East and Africa. There is a lack of data registries, local consensus, and treatment guidelines in the region. Limited public awareness, availability of treatments, and patient support need to be addressed to improve disease management in the region. A literature review was conducted to identify relevant publications and highlight regional data on prevalence rates, diagnosis, quality of life, treatment modalities, and unmet needs for AA in the Middle East and Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nisha V Parmar
- Department of Dermatology, Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE
| | | | - Osama Al Sharif
- King Fahad General Hospital, Medina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Alfred Ammoury
- Division of Dermatology, St George University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Muntyanu A, Gabrielli S, Donovan J, Gooderham M, Guenther L, Hanna S, Lynde C, Prajapati VH, Wiseman M, Netchiporouk E. The burden of alopecia areata: A scoping review focusing on quality of life, mental health and work productivity. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023; 37:1490-1520. [PMID: 36708097 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) is a common inflammatory autoimmune disease of the hair which can have a significant negative impact on quality of life (QoL), mental health and productivity. The aim of this scoping review is to elucidate the burden of AA focusing on these three realms. Inclusion criteria included all original manuscripts with no restriction on study type or statistical method written in English (or having an English abstract). For QoL 40 articles were included, 85 for psychiatric comorbidities, and 9 for work/school absenteeism/presenteeism mostly consisting of cross-sectional and observational cohort studies. QoL impairment was detected in over 75% of patients and up to one-third reported extremely severe QoL impairments. Specific QoL dimensions with the greatest impact were embarrassment, social functioning, as well as shopping and/or housework. Cross-sectional studies assessing the psychological burden of adult patients with AA found that the presence of signs of anxiety and/or depression ranged from 30% to 68% and affected all age groups. Rates of work absenteeism and unemployment were significantly higher in AA patients compared to healthy controls. Up to 62% reported making major life decisions including relationships, education and career based on their AA. Additionally, the extensive camouflage techniques and time lost from work led to a strong financial burden for patients and the numerous physician visits added to the healthcare costs. The overall impact of AA stretches much further than simply being an aesthetic concern and can negatively impact every part of an individual's life. An individualized approach and effective treatments will help reduce the psychosocial consequences and distress and return patients to their normal state of health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeffrey Donovan
- Donovan Hair Clinic, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Dermatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melinda Gooderham
- SKiN Centre for Dermatology, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
- Probity Medical Research Inc., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lyn Guenther
- Division of Dermatology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Guenther Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sameh Hanna
- Probity Medical Research Inc., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Dermatology on Bloor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles Lynde
- Probity Medical Research Inc., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lynde Institute for Dermatology, Markham, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vimal H Prajapati
- Probity Medical Research Inc., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Sections of Community Pediatrics and Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Dermatology Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Skin Health & Wellness Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marni Wiseman
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- SKiNWISE Dermatology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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van Dalen M, Muller KS, Kasperkovitz-Oosterloo JM, Okkerse JME, Pasmans SGMA. Anxiety, depression, and quality of life in children and adults with alopecia areata: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1054898. [PMID: 36523776 PMCID: PMC9745337 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1054898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring hair loss condition, subclassified into AA, alopecia universalis, and alopecia totalis. There are indications that people with AA experience adverse psychosocial outcomes, but previous studies have not included a thorough meta-analysis and did not compare people with AA to people with other dermatological diagnoses. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to update and expand previous systematic reviews, as well as describing and quantifying levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in children and adults with AA. Methods A search was conducted, yielding 1,249 unique records of which 93 were included. Results Review results showed that people with AA have higher chances of being diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression and experience impaired QoL. Their psychosocial outcomes are often similar to other people with a dermatological condition. Meta-analytic results showed significantly more symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with AA compared to healthy controls. Results also showed a moderate impact on QoL. These results further highlight that AA, despite causing little physical impairments, can have a significant amount on patients' well-being. Discussion Future studies should examine the influence of disease severity, disease duration, remission and relapse, and medication use to shed light on at-risk groups in need of referral to psychological care. Systematic review registration [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022323174].
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije van Dalen
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kirsten S. Muller
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Jolanda M. E. Okkerse
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Suzanne G. M. A. Pasmans
- Department of Dermatology, Center of Pediatric Dermatology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Renert-Yuval Y, da Rosa JC, Garcet S, Pavel AB, Bares J, Chima M, Hawkes JE, Gilleaudeau P, Sullivan-Whalen M, Singer GK, Krueger JG, Guttman-Yassky E. Analysis of alopecia areata surveys suggests a threshold for improved patient-reported outcomes. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:539-547. [PMID: 35656793 PMCID: PMC10291970 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.21696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although alopecia areata (AA) greatly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL), there is no adequate validation of AA-targeted QoL surveys in clinical trials, hindering sufficient representation of patient-reported outcomes. OBJECTIVES Better understanding of patient-reported outcomes may guide treatment goals and future clinical trials. METHODS In a recent randomized controlled trial testing dupilumab in AA, patients were administered the Alopecia Areata Quality of Life Index (AA-QLI) and the Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale (AASIS) surveys, specifically evaluating QoL in patients with AA. An in-depth analysis was performed to assess the utility of these questionnaires in this patient population, both at baseline and after treatment, and to determine a threshold for improved patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS While AASIS correlated with baseline Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores and with therapeutic response, AA-QLI showed no correlation with AA severity before or after treatment. Itch strongly correlated with serum IgE levels across both surveys. Using various approaches to estimate a discriminative threshold for decreased impact of AA on QoL (by AASIS) following treatment, a SALT score of 20 points or less post-treatment was associated with improved patient-reported outcomes, including both AA-related symptoms and items within the daily activities/feelings domain such as 'feeling sad' and 'feeling anxious or worry'. CONCLUSIONS AASIS is better than AA-QLI to assess patient-reported outcomes. SALT ≤ 20 following treatment should be considered as a threshold for meaningful therapeutic outcome and as a clinical endpoint in future clinical trials for AA. What is already known about this topic? Alopecia areata greatly compromises quality of life, and affected patients have increased prevalences of depression, anxiety and social phobia. Despite the significant negative impact of the disease on patients' wellbeing, validation of targeted questionnaires in alopecia areata is lacking, and a therapeutic response threshold for improved patient-reported outcomes is unknown. What does this study add? This study investigated the utility of two different alopecia areata-targeted questionnaires - Alopecia Areata Quality of Life Index and Alopecia Areata Symptom Impact Scale (AASIS) - in a clinical trial setting. AASIS was found to correlate strongly with alopecia areata severity and clinical response. What are the clinical implications of this work? Patients with ≤ 20% scalp hair loss after treatment reported improvement in multiple quality-of-life items, suggesting this as a meaningful therapeutic outcome that may guide clinicians and improve the development of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Renert-Yuval
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Dermatology, and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joel Correa da Rosa
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sandra Garcet
- Department of Dermatology, and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ana B. Pavel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA
| | - Jennifer Bares
- Department of Dermatology, and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margot Chima
- Department of Dermatology, and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason E. Hawkes
- Department of Dermatology, UC Davis Medical Center, University of California Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Patricia Gilleaudeau
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary Sullivan-Whalen
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giselle K. Singer
- Department of Dermatology, and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - James G. Krueger
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emma Guttman-Yassky
- Department of Dermatology, and Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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