Outpatient care and medical treatment of children and adults with atopic eczema.
BACKGROUND
Despite the high prevalence, morbidity and economic burden of atopic eczema (AE), data on outpatient care of affected patients are missing.


METHODS
Utilizing a population-based administrative health care database from Saxony, Germany, this study describes outpatient care and medical treatment of AE by different medical disciplines in 2003 and 2004 by means of a representative sample of 11,555 patients with AE.


RESULTS
About 60% of all patients with AE seeking outpatient care were adults. Of the adults 66% and among children 51% consulted a dermatologist at least once within the study period. More than 50% of patients in all age groups received potent topical steroids. Of all patients 8% and 3% received topical pimecrolimus and topical tacrolimus, respectively. More than 10% of patients received systemic steroids, while less than 0.1% was given cyclosporine. The mean annual amount of topical anti-inflammatory treatment per patient was about 40 grams.


CONCLUSIONS
Unexpectedly high proportions of patients with AE received potent topical and systemic steroids. The average total amount of prescribed medications was low. This study suggests insufficient care and medical treatment of patients with AE in routine practice.
Schmitt
Jochen
J
Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Germany. jochen.schmitt@uniklinikum-dresden.de
Schmitt
Natalie M
NM
Kirch
Wilhelm
W
Meurer
Michael
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013038:Specialization; D055815:Young Adult