The impact of tacrolimus ointment on health-related quality of life of adult and pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis.
BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis can have detrimental effects on health-related quality of life (QOL).


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to examine the QOL impact of tacrolimus ointment in patients with atopic dermatitis.


METHODS
The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Children's DLQI (CDLQI), and Toddler QOL Survey were used to assess QOL in adults (16 years or older), children (5-15 years), and toddlers (2-4 years) enrolled in 12-week, randomized, double-blind studies comparing two concentrations of tacrolimus ointment (0.03% and 0.1%) versus vehicle ointment for treatment of atopic dermatitis. QOL was assessed at baseline, week 3, and week 12/early discontinuation.


RESULTS
Of the 985 patients enrolled, 91.5% had evaluable QOL data. Among adults, both tacrolimus ointment groups experienced improved QOL relative to the vehicle control group for all QOL scales (P<.001). Among children and toddlers, both tacrolimus ointment groups demonstrated significant QOL improvements relative to the vehicle control group (P<.05) for all but the Personal Relationships scale in the 0.03% tacrolimus ointment group among children.


CONCLUSIONS
Tacrolimus ointment is associated with significant QOL benefits in adults, children, and toddlers with atopic dermatitis.
Drake
L
L
Oklahoma University Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, USA.
Prendergast
M
M
Maher
R
R
Breneman
D
D
Korman
N
N
Satoi
Y
Y
Beusterien
K M
KM
Lawrence
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009824:Ointments; D011788:Quality of Life; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D009824:Ointments; D016559:Tacrolimus