Summaries of Must-Read Clinical Literature, Guidelines, and FDA Actions
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Atopic Dermatitis
No patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for quality of life (QOL) can currently be recommended for use in children and adults with eczema, according to an updated systematic review. Eligible studies reported on measurement properties of QOL PROMs for children and adults with eczema. The adequacy of included PROMs was judged with updated quality criteria and the quality of evidence of the summarized results was graded. PROMs were then placed in a recommendation category (A-C). Researchers found:
- 133 measurement properties of 9 different PROMs were assessed.
- No PROM could be placed in category A due to a lack of validation studies.
- The DLQI cannot be recommended for future use.
Gabes M, et al. Measurement properties of quality-of-life outcome measures for children and adults with eczema: an updated systematic review. [Published online ahead of print September 10, 2019]. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. doi: 10.1111/pai.13120.
Studies of patients with atopic dermatitis now commonly include information on quality of life of patients and caregivers and patient-reported factors such as degree of discomfort, disability, etc. This report suggests that essentially all the studies reviewed lacked validation and were therefore inadequate to accurately reflect the disease features purportedly assessed. Even the often-used Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scored poorly and was not recommended for use. Outcome measures may be useful but require further validation. — Joseph Fowler, Jr., MD, Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Louisville, KY