The impact of phototherapy on itch intensity and itch-related quality of life amongst different skin diseases, skin phototypes and genders - A prospective study with 102 patients.

BACKGROUND: Phototherapy is a mainstay to treat itchy conditions. However, only little is known about differences in the antipruritic effect of phototherapy amongst different skin conditions, phototypes and genders. METHODS: In this prospective, single-center study, we analyzed the effect of phototherapy on itch intensity and itch-related quality of life amongst these subgroups after a treatment duration of 4 weeks, while on-demand treatment with topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors and/or antihistamines was allowed. RESULTS: Of 102 patients (age 53.0 ± 18.7, 56 females [54.9%]), 72 (78.3%) reported a significant reduction of itch intensity by Δ -2.76 on a 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), p = <.001, 95% CI [2.2; 3.3] paralleled by a significant improvement of itch-related quality of life as measured by the German version of the ItchyQoL by Δ 7.3, p = <.001, 95% CI [4.4; 11.6]. The best improvement of itch intensity and itch-related QoL was reported by patients with pruritus on non-diseased skin (ΔNRS -3.5; Δ 9.7 Ger-ItchyQoL points), followed by patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. We found no statistical differences in the response to phototherapy amongst Fitzpatrick phototypes I-VI. Women had higher itch intensities at baseline but itch-related quality of life impairment at baseline and phototherapy treatment response did not significantly differ between genders. CONCLUSION: Phototherapy appears to induce a meaningful itch reduction in various itchy skin conditions, all phototypes and both genders within 4 weeks that directly translates into improvement of itch-related quality of life.

Prevalence and Related Factors of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in School-age Children With Atopic Dermatitis.

Context: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease and commonly affects children. AD is associated with a high incidence of ADHD, the most common psychological and neurobehavioral disorder in children and adolescents. If clinicians don't identify ADHD and intervene early, preschool children can experience adverse effects. Objective: The study intended to investigate the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschool children with AD, analyze the associated factors, and provide insights for early identification of risk factors and the development of interventions to reduce the likelihood of ADHD occurrence. Design: The research team performed a prospective, observational, case-control study. Setting: The study took place at the Zhoushan branch of Ruijin Hospital at the Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine in Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China. Participants: Participants were 80 school-aged children diagnosed with AD and admitted to the hospital between May 2019 and May 2023. Groups: Based on the presence or absence of ADHD, the research team divided the children into two groups: (1) the Simple AD group with 71 participants with AD only, and the AD + ADHD group, with 9 participants with AD and ADHD. Outcome Measures: The research team: (1) collected and analyzed participants' demographic and clinical data, including an assessment of the AD severity using the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) scale and the presence of sleep disorders using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ); (2) assessed the presence of ADHD using the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham-IV rating scales (SNAP-IV); (3) analyzed the factors influencing the occurrence of ADHD in AD children, using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 80 school-age children with AD, 9 participants (11.25%) had received a diagnosis of ADHD. The AD + ADHD group's age (P < .001); body mass index (BMI), with P < .001; AD severity (P = .013); rate of sleep disorders (P = .001); and levels of serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), with (P < .001), interleukin 4 (IL-4), with (P < .001), and nerve growth factor (NGF), with (P < .001) were all significantly greater than those of the Simple AD group. The univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age (P = .014), BMI (P = .024), AD severity (P = .022), sleep disorders (P = .042), and levels of IL-6 (P = .044), IL-4 (P = .045), and NGF (P = .046) were all significantly related to the development of ADHD in school-age children with AD. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that sleep disorders (P = .018) and elevated levels of serum IL-6 (P = .032), IL-4 (P = .021), and NGF (P = .016 ) were independent risk factors for ADHD (OR = 2.651, 3.074, 2.686, 3.340). Conclusions: School-aged children with AD are more likely to develop ADHD, which is mainly associated with sleep disorders and elevated levels of serum IL-6, IL-4, and NGF. Clinicians should give attention to these risk factors and implement early interventions to reduce the risk of children with AD developing ADHD.

Concurrent Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis Successfully Treated With Dual Biologic Therapy.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are chronic inflammatory skin conditions with clinical and histopathologic features that often overlap, representing an underlying immunopathological spectrum of disease that can complicate the proper diagnosis and treatment of both conditions. We report the case of a patient with longstanding concurrent, treatment-resistant AD and psoriasis who was successfully treated with dual biologic therapy with dupilumab and guselkumab. Our case highlights the importance of considering coexisting AD and psoriasis in patients with treatment-resistant disease and the utility of dual biologic therapy. We also review an established but rare incidence of overlap between AD and psoriasis and highlight diagnostic challenges and the importance of assessing patients comprehensively. Our case also demonstrates the utility of patch testing and tissue diagnosis in patients with concurrent AD and psoriasis, as well as the importance of considering both diagnostic testing and clinical response in clinical decision-making.

Ultraviolet B phototherapy does not increase the risk of skin cancer among patients with atopic dermatitis: A population-based retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: UV-B phototherapy is a common treatment modality for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), but its long-term safety in terms of cutaneous carcinogenic risk has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk of skin cancer among patients with AD receiving UV-B phototherapy. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study from 2001 to 2018 to estimate the risk of UV-B phototherapy for skin cancer, nonmelanoma skin cancer, and cutaneous melanoma in patients with AD. RESULTS: Among 6205 patients with AD, the risks of skin cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.91; 95% CI, 0.35-2.35), nonmelanoma skin cancer (adjusted HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.29-2.26), and cutaneous melanoma (adjusted HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.08-7.64) did not increase among patients with AD treated with UV-B phototherapy, compared with those who did not receive UV-B phototherapy. Additionally, the number of UV-B phototherapy sessions was not associated with an increased risk of skin cancer (adjusted HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.96-1.02), nonmelanoma skin cancer (adjusted HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.96-1.03), or cutaneous melanoma (adjusted HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.77-1.15). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study. CONCLUSION: Neither UV-B phototherapy nor the number of UV-B phototherapy sessions was associated with an increased risk of skin cancers among patients with AD.

Effect of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis on the prognosis of egg allergy resolution

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the effect of atopic dermatitis (AD) on the resolution of food allergies in Asia, and the predictors of egg allergy resolution are not yet well defined. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether AD severity could predict the resolution of egg allergy. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included infants under 24 months of age diagnosed with IgE-mediated egg white allergy. We included subjects who completed a 60-month follow-up. Open oral food challenges (OFCs) and serologic tests were performed at the time of initial diagnosis and at 36 ± 3 and 60 ± 3 months. RESULTS: We analyzed 68 patients (39 boys and 29 girls). OFCs were performed in 88.2% of the patients. The egg allergy remission rates were 23.5% and 47.1% by 3 and by 5 years of age, respectively. Persistent egg allergy was significantly associated with moderate to severe AD and house dust mite sensitization. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that patients with moderate to severe AD had higher persistent egg allergy rates than patients with no and mild AD (p = 0.012). Multivariable analysis identified moderate to severe AD as strongly associated with persistent egg allergy (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 47.1% of infants had resolved egg white allergies at 60 months. Moderate to severe AD may be a practical and important prognostic factor for persistent egg allergy in clinical settings.

Rates of cardiovascular events among patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in an integrated health care system: A retrospective cohort study.

Patients with versus without atopic dermatitis may have a greater risk of cardiovascular events, and the risk increases with severity of atopic dermatitis. The incidence of cardiovascular events in the population of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis is largely unknown. This retrospective study evaluates incidence rates of cardiovascular events in patients aged ≥12 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in a cohort of Kaiser Permanente Northern California health care system members without recognized risk factors for adverse events. Patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, as defined by dermatologist-rendered code and prescription history between 2007 and 2018, were included. Major adverse cardiovascular events, venous thrombotic events, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolisms were identified via International Classification of Diseases codes. Stratification variables included age, sex, race, smoking history, and diabetes. Incidence rates per 1000 person-years were calculated by the number of patients with an incident event divided by the total person-years of observation. Among 8197 patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, incidence rates per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval) for major adverse cardiovascular events, venous thrombotic events, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism were: 2.6 (2.1-3.2), 2.0 (1.5-2.5), 1.6 (1.2-2.1), and 0.7 (0.5-1.0), respectively. Incidence rates for all events were higher for older versus younger patients, patients with versus without diabetes, former smokers versus patients who had never smoked, and men versus women, except for pulmonary embolisms, which were higher in women. This study estimated the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and provides valuable information for clinicians.

Effectiveness of Sopoongsan for chronic upper body pruritus in patients with atopic or seborrheic dermatitis: A pilot study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pruritus persists for > 6 weeks and is known to decrease patients' quality of life. Due to the complex pathological mechanism of chronic pruritus, there is still a lack of satisfactory therapeutic agents; therefore, complementary therapies are required to improve itching symptoms. In the Republic of Korea, Sopoongsan, an herbal formula, has been used to treat itching, dizziness, and skin paralysis. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate whether Sopoongsan improves chronic pruritus and to identify Sopoongsan-related changes in the immune response in patients with chronic upper body pruritus. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial will be conducted to assess 20 patients with chronic upper body pruritus for 3 months who have been diagnosed with allergic atopic dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis. The patients will be randomly allocated to either the placebo-control (n = 10) or treatment (n = 10) group. The total study period will be 8 weeks (i.e., administration of Sopoongsan or placebo drugs for 4 wk and follow-up for 4 wk). Participants will be allowed to receive external treatment, except for antipruritic medications administered orally, throughout the study period. The primary outcome measure will be the numeric rating scale results for itching, whereas the secondary outcome measures will be questionnaire survey (Dermatological Life Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale) findings and the immune response index, including interferon gamma, interleukin-4, immunoglobulin E, thymic stromal lymphopoietic protein, and histamine, to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying chronic pruritus. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: We expect that the results of this study will provide important clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of Sopoongsan on itching symptoms, quality of life, sleep disturbance, and changes in the immune response. The findings will help elucidate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Sopoongsan for chronic pruritus and lay the foundation for further studies in this area.

Severe Protein Loss in a 6-month-old Exclusively Breastfed Infant with Atopic Dermatitis.

Protein loss is often the result of kidney or intestinal disease (protein-losing enteropathy) and can cause a number of serious, potentially life-threatening complications such as hypotension, thrombocytosis, electrolyte imbalance, and cerebellar ischemia. Recent research suggests an association between extremely severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic enteropathy. An exclusively breastfed 6-month-old infant was admitted to our institution due to failure to thrive, electrolyte imbalance, and severe AD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis; SCORAD 40). On admission, the infant was in poor general condition, dehydrated, malnourished (bodyweight 4870 g, -3.98 z-score), with exudative erythematous morphs scattered throughout the body. Initial laboratory results showed microcytic hypochromic anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypogammaglobinemia, thrombocytosis, hyponatremia, high values of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and eosinophilia. Polysensitization to a number of nutritional and inhalation allergens was demonstrated, and an exclusive amino acid-based formula has been introduced into the diet. During the hospital course, the patient developed superficial thrombophlebitis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia. Eosinophilia was found in a small intestine biopsy sample. Due to severe hypogammaglobulinemia, skin infections, and bacteremia, the differential diagnosis included primary immune deficiency (STAT3 deficiency, DOCK8 deficiency, PGM3 deficiency, IPEX), but all available immunological tests were unremarkable. Exclusive amino acid-based formula diet was continued in the infant, with topical corticosteroids under wet-dressing therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy. With the gradual improvement of the general condition, the introduction of solid foods was started according to the findings of allergy testing. At 17 months of age, the patient gained weight and his skin status has been improving, although frequent use of topical corticosteroids was necessary. There were no infections, no anemia or thrombocytosis, and albumin and immunoglobulin supplementation were no longer required. The main mechanism of protein loss in infants with extremely severe atopic dermatitis is probably due to damaged skin, and partially due to the eosinophilic inflammation of the small intestine. Immunoglobulin loss, potentiated by physiological or transient hypogammaglobulinemia in infants, poses a very high risk for severe, potentially life-threatening infections.

Annual Trends in Medicare Part D Prescription Claims for Dupilumab 2017 to 2019.

Disease control for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) has been primarily achieved with phototherapy and non-specific immunomodulators, cyclosporine, and methotrexate. These treatments have, however, been associated with many unfavorable side effects.

Acupuncture attenuates comorbid anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of atopic dermatitis through modulating neuroadaptation in the brain reward circuit in mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is highly comorbid with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Although acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in AD, its influence on comorbid anxiety and depression remains unclear. We sought to explore the impact and mechanisms of action of acupuncture on comorbid anxiety and depression of AD. AD-like skin lesions were induced by the topical application of MC903 to the mouse cheek. Acupuncture was performed at Gok-Ji (LI11) acupoints. AD-like phenotypes were quantified by lesion scores, scratching behavior, and histopathological changes. The effects of acupuncture on comorbid anxiety and depression-like behaviors were assessed using the elevated plus-maze (EPM), open-field tests (OFT), and tail-suspension test (TST). In addition, biochemical changes in the brain reward regions were investigated by immunoblotting for the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine D1 receptor (D1R), phospho-dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 kDa (pDARPP-32), phospho-cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), ΔFosB, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the nucleus accumbens, dorsolateral striatum, and ventral tegmental area. Acupuncture effectively improved the chronic itching and robust AD-like skin lesions with epidermal thickening. Additionally, it considerably reduced comorbid anxiety- and depression-like symptoms, as indicated by more time spent in the open arms of the EPM and in the center of the open field and less time spent immobile in the TST. Higher pCREB, ΔFosB, BDNF, and pDARPP-32 levels, and reduced TH and D1R protein expression in the brain reward regions of AD mice were reversed by acupuncture treatment. The beneficial effects of acupuncture on clinical symptoms (scratching behavior) and comorbid psychological distress in AD strongly correlated with dorsal striatal ΔFosB levels. Collectively, these data indicate that acupuncture had a significant, positive impact on comorbid anxiety- and depression-like behaviors by modulating neuroadaptation in the brain reward circuit in mice with AD, providing a novel perspective for the non-pharmacological management of psychiatric comorbidities of AD.

[Pruritus in atopic dermatitis-comparative evaluation of novel treatment approaches]. / Pruritus bei atopischer Dermatitis ­ vergleichende Bewertung neuer Therapieansätze.

Chronic pruritus (duration ≥ 6 weeks) affects about 91% of patients suffering from atopic dermatitis (AD). Pruritus is often accompanied by sensations such as pain, burning, stinging, and heat, resulting in a high burden of affected patients; sleep and quality of life may be severely impaired. An important pillar of AD treatment is also to achieve sufficient control of pruritus. In addition to intensively used emollients, corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors have proven effective. In case of eczema affecting a large part of the body surface area (BSA), phototherapy may contribute to the healing of eczema and the relief of atopic pruritus. As to systemic therapies, several approved biologics (dupilumab, tralokinumab) and small molecules (baricitinib, upadacitinib, abrocitinib) lead to a rapid improvement of pruritus by interfering with the signal transduction of proinflammatory cytokines. While Janus kinase inhibitors initially lead to a faster relief of pruritus than biologics, the antipruritic efficacy of biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors seems to be similar in long-term use.

Concurrent Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis Vulgaris: Implications for Targeted Biologic Therapy.

Psoriasis vulgaris, a helper T cell TH1/TH17-mediated inflammatory dermatosis, may be effectively treated with biologic medications such as secukinumab, an IL-17A inhibitor. However, suppression of the TH1-mediated axis may result in the paradoxical appearance of TH2-mediated inflammatory skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (AD). Dupilumab, a biologic medication that inhibits IL-4/IL-13-cytokines involved in TH2-mediated inflammation-has demonstrated efficacy in treating AD but may result in phenotypic switching to psoriasis. We describe a patient with psoriasis that was well controlled on secukinumab who developed severe AD that improved with dupilumab. After several months of effective treatment with dupilumab, he subsequently developed re-emergence of psoriatic lesions. This case highlights how pharmacologic interventions targeted at specific immunologic pathways, such as the TH1/TH2 axis, may have unintended consequences.

Predictors of nonresponse to dupilumab in patients with atopic dermatitis: A machine learning analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have a suboptimal response to systemic therapy. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed predictors of nonresponse to dupilumab in patients with AD. METHODS: Data (April 2017 through June 2019) for patients aged 12 years and above with AD (International Classification of Diseases-9/10-Clinical Modification: 691.8/L20.x) who initiated dupilumab on or after April 1, 2017 (index date) were collected from an electronic health record and insurance claims database. Nonresponse indicators (dupilumab discontinuation, addition of another systemic therapy or phototherapy, addition of a high-potency topical corticosteroid, AD-related hospital visit, AD-related emergency department visit, incident skin infection) were predicted from available demographic and clinical variables using machine learning. RESULTS: Among 419 patients (mean age: 45 years), 145 (35%) experienced at least 1 indicator of nonresponse in the 6-month postindex period. In patients with at least 1 indicator, the most common was dupilumab discontinuation (47% [68/145]). Of note, this analysis could not capture nonmedical reasons for dupilumab discontinuation (eg, cost, access). The most common predictors of nonresponse were a claim for ibuprofen (in 69% of patients with a nonresponse indicator) and a Quan-Charlson Comorbidity Index value of 3 to 4 (59%). CONCLUSION: Systemic dupilumab therapy for AD can be associated with a relatively high prevalence of nonresponse indicators. Factors associated with these indicators-that is, predictors of nonresponse-may be used to optimize disease management.

Effects of Bojungikgi-tang on anorexic patients with atopic dermatitis: A protocol for a randomized, usual care-controlled, assessor-blinded, parallel, pilot clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Anorexia and atopic dermatitis (AD) are highly prevalent diseases, and the herbal medicine Bojungikgi-tang (BJT) has been frequently used for the treatment of both anorexia and AD. However, no study has simultaneously evaluated the effects of BJT for both anorexia and AD. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, usual care-controlled, assessor-blinded. parallel, pilot clinical trial has been designed to explore the feasibility, preliminary effectiveness, and safety of BJT for the treatment of anorexic patients with AD. Forty anorexic patients with AD will be randomly assigned (1:1) to BJT or the usual care group. The BJT group will be administered BJT granules twice a day for 8 weeks and followed up for 4 weeks whereas the usual care group will not receive BJT granules. All participants in both groups will be provided with over-the-counter topical corticosteroids as a relief drug. Data will be collected at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after randomization. The primary outcome is the score on the anorexia visual analog scale at 8 weeks post-treatment. The secondary outcomes include body weight, body fat percentage, body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis index, Validated Investigator Global Assessment scale for Atopic Dermatitis, Dermatology Life Quality Index, EuroQoL 5 Dimension 5 Level, deficiency and excess pattern identification questionnaire, total immunoglobulin E, eosinophil count, and frequency and amount of use of topical corticosteroids. Adverse events and laboratory test results will be monitored to assess safety. Fecal samples to check for gut microbiome changes and blood samples to check immune and metabolic markers will be collected before and after taking BJT. DISCUSSION: This is the first trial that explores the preliminary effectiveness and safety of BJT for the treatment of anorexic patients with AD. The results of this pilot study will provide the basic evidence for large-scale, confirmatory, multicenter, high-quality clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0006784 (registered on November 26, 2021).

Acupuncture attenuates comorbid anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of atopic dermatitis through modulating neuroadaptation in the brain reward circuit in mice

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is highly comorbid with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Although acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in AD, its influence on comorbid anxiety and depression remains unclear. We sought to explore the impact and mechanisms of action of acupuncture on comorbid anxiety and depression of AD. AD-like skin lesions were induced by the topical application of MC903 to the mouse cheek. Acupuncture was performed at Gok-Ji (LI11) acupoints. AD-like phenotypes were quantified by lesion scores, scratching behavior, and histopathological changes. The effects of acupuncture on comorbid anxiety and depression-like behaviors were assessed using the elevated plus-maze (EPM), open-field tests (OFT), and tail-suspension test (TST). In addition, biochemical changes in the brain reward regions were investigated by immunoblotting for the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine D1 receptor (D1R), phospho-dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 kDa (pDARPP-32), phospho-cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), ΔFosB, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the nucleus accumbens, dorsolateral striatum, and ventral tegmental area. Acupuncture effectively improved the chronic itching and robust AD-like skin lesions with epidermal thickening. Additionally, it considerably reduced comorbid anxiety- and depression-like symptoms, as indicated by more time spent in the open arms of the EPM and in the center of the open field and less time spent immobile in the TST. Higher pCREB, ΔFosB, BDNF, and pDARPP-32 levels, and reduced TH and D1R protein expression in the brain reward regions of AD mice were reversed by acupuncture treatment. The beneficial effects of acupuncture on clinical symptoms (scratching behavior) and comorbid psychological distress in AD strongly correlated with dorsal striatal ΔFosB levels. Collectively, these data indicate that acupuncture had a significant, positive impact on comorbid anxiety- and depression-like behaviors by modulating neuroadaptation in the brain reward circuit in mice with AD, providing a novel perspective for the non-pharmacological management of psychiatric comorbidities of AD.

Assessing patients' characteristics and treatment patterns among children with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common immune-mediated skin disease in childhood. Several treatment options for pediatric AD, both topical and systemic, are currently available. We carried out a single-center observational study with the aim of describing characteristics and treatment patterns in pediatric AD patients. METHODS: The study included 867 patients aged ≤16 years (females 50.5%, mean patient's age 5.9 years, standard deviation ±3.6 years) with a previous doctor-confirmed diagnosis of AD who underwent balneotherapy at the Comano Thermal Spring Water Center (Comano, Trentino, Italy) from April to October 2014. RESULTS: Among the patients included in the study, 41.2% had mild (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis, SCORAD 0-15), 43.6% moderate (SCORAD 16-40) and 15.2% severe AD (SCORAD > 40). A higher occurrence of reported food allergy was observed among children with more severe AD (p < 0.0001), while no association was found between AD severity and reported inhalant allergy or passive smoking (p = 0.15 and 0.92, respectively). Emollients (55.1%) and topical corticosteroids (TCS; 45.7%) were the main treatment options used in the previous month. The use of oral steroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) was considerably less common (6.3 and 4.5%, respectively), while no patients were on systemic agents other than steroids. Among patients with severe AD, 9.8% had not used TCS, TCI or any systemic treatments. Moreover, 20.0% of the patients in the study population had followed elimination diets, although only 27.2% of them had a reported food allergy. CONCLUSIONS: A significant difference in the prevalence of reported food allergy emerged across the different AD severity categories. Furthermore, although further data are necessary to confirm our findings, undertreatment in children with AD appeared to be very common, at least among those attending the Comano Thermal Spring Water Center. Moreover, many patients followed elimination diets in the absence of reported food allergy.

Characteristics associated with clinical response to Comano thermal spring water balneotherapy in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have investigated the efficacy of balneotherapy in atopic dermatitis (AD), including a pediatric open randomized clinical trial conducted at the Comano thermal spring water center, which showed a significant reduction in AD severity and an improvement of the quality of life. However, so far many studies on balneotherapy in pediatric AD have included relatively small populations without identifying patients' characteristics associated with their response. The aim of the present study was to identify any features associated with the clinical response to the Comano thermal spring water balneotherapy in a large cohort of pediatric AD patients. METHODS: An observational study was conducted on 867 children aged ≤16 years (females 50.5%, mean patient's age 5.9 years, standard deviation ±3.6 years) with mild to severe AD who underwent balneotherapy at the Comano thermal spring water center (Comano, Trentino, Italy) from April to October 2014. Patients were stratified according to their disease severity, which was evaluated using five SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) categories before and immediately after a thermal spring water balneotherapy course. Potential characteristics associated with the patients' clinical response to Comano thermal spring water balneotherapy were investigated. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement in AD severity was observed after Comano thermal spring water balneotherapy (p < 0.0001). A significantly higher percentage of patients achieving improvement in AD severity was reported among children ≤4 years old (p < 0.0001) with early-onset AD (p < 0.0001), severe AD (p < 0.0001) or coexistent reported food allergies (p < 0.01). The therapy was well tolerated, and no relevant adverse effects were reported during the treatment course. CONCLUSIONS: Comano thermal spring water balneotherapy is a safe complementary treatment for pediatric patients with AD, as it was able to reduce the disease severity, especially in children ≤4 years old, with early onset AD, severe AD or concomitant food allergies.

Efficacy of a probiotic supplement in patients with atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial long-standing inflammatory skin disease with a high incidence worldwide in both adults and children. According to the recognized correlation between skin and intestine-the so-called "gut-skin axis"-gut unbalances can affect skin by inducing systemic inflammation and triggering dermatological diseases such as AD. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement containing selected strains of probiotics in ameliorating AD symptoms and skin conditions in adult volunteers. MATERIALS & METHODS: Eighty adult subjects showing mild-to-severe AD, skin dryness, desquamation, erythema and itching were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to receive, for 56 days, a placebo or a mixture of lactobacilli (L. plantarum PBS067, L. reuteri PBS072 and L. rhamnosus LRH020). The latter was chosen according to the patients' production of post-biotic metabolites and B-group vitamins, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant capacity and anti-microbial activity. Clinical and instrumental dermatological evaluation was performed at T0d, T28d and T56d, and then at T84d (after a one-month wash-out). Inflammatory cytokine levels from skin tape stripping, sampled close to AD lesions at T0d and T56d, were also measured. RESULTS: Subjects receiving the probiotic mixture showed an improvement in skin smoothness, skin moisturization, self-perception, and a decrease in SCORAD index as well as in the levels of inflammatory markers associated with AD at T28d, with a positive trend up to T56d which was maintained at T84d. CONCLUSION: Administration of selected probiotic strains resulted in a fast and sustained improvement in AD-related symptoms and skin conditions.

Efficacy and safety of Soshiho-tang in atopic dermatitis patients with gastrointestinal disorders: A double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Because of the growing incidence of AD, psychosocial and economic burden of AD patients are often considerable. Steroid treatments are widely used, but long term use of this treatment can cause side effects. To reduce the burden of AD patients and find new efficient treatment, this study chose Soshiho-tang, a traditional medicine used in eastern Asia. AIM OF THE STUDY: Soshiho-tang (SSHT) is a traditional herbal medicine that has anti-inflammatory effects and improves immune function. This clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of SSHT in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients with gastrointestinal disorders in comparison with placebo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a single-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, and investigator-initiated clinical trial. A total of 60 patients aged 3-18 years with gastrointestinal disorders and diagnosed with AD by Hanifin & Rajka criteria with a Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index between 15 and 49 were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to the SSHT or placebo groups in a ratio of 1:1 and efficacy evaluation was conducted at week 4 and 8. The participants orally administered SSHT or placebo three times a day for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was measured based on a change of SCORAD index. The secondary outcome measurements included the following: survey questionnaires of gastrointestinal disorder, amount and frequency of ointment application for AD, dermatology quality of life index, and safety evaluation (diagnostic test, adverse reaction, and vital sign monitoring). RESULTS: During efficacy evaluation, the SCORAD score and digestive symptoms in the experimental and placebo groups were not statistically significant. However, the amount and frequency of ointment application in the experimental group were reduced compared to those in the placebo group at week 8. Also, In the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), statistically significant Quality of Life (QOL) improvement was observed in the SSHT experimental group compared to the placebo group. In safety evaluation, all participants were within the normal range during the study period. Blood sample testing indicated that the lymphocytes ratio decreased, and neutrophils ratio increased in the experimental group, whereas the placebo group showed the opposite immune response pattern. CONCLUSION: We concluded that SSHT administration can reduce steroid ointment dependence and improve the QOL in AD patients by regulating neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio.