Optimizing the Management of Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Adult Patients

STATEMENT OF NEED

Atopic dermatitis is a severe form of eczema pathologically characterized by skin barrier disruption mediated by a type 2 helper T-cell immune response. The incidence of atopic dermatitis is high, estimated to be approximately 15% to 20% in children and 1% to 3% in adults worldwide (Avena-Woods, 2017). In addition to the hallmark clinical symptoms of eczema and intense pruritus, atopic dermatitis is associated with a substantial and multifaceted patient-reported burden that encompasses sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, reduced function/productivity, and impaired quality of life (Avena-Woods, 2017). The presence of these effects highlights the importance of understanding disease severity and impact from the patient’s perspective and the need to ensure that disease management is tailored to the needs of the individual patient. In the absence of a cure, atopic dermatitis requires treatment over the lifetime of the patient.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Dermatologists, primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of adult patients with atopic dermatitis.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Discuss the differential diagnosis of atopic dermatitis
Develop strategies to improve treatment adherence
Evaluate recent clinical trial data on the efficacy and safety of novel biologic and targeted therapies for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis
Distinguish recognized and emerging comorbidities of atopic dermatitis in adult patients