An observational study of the treatment satisfaction of atopic dermatitis patients after switching to a water-in-oil emulsion ointment formulation of "Very strong" topical corticosteroids

Abstract

We evaluated the scores of itch, severity, satisfaction, and adherence in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients after they switched from a fatty ointment to a water-in-oil emulsion ointment formulation of the "very strong" class of topical corticosteroids. Thirty-four patients were enrolled during the fall/winter (Period 1) and 22 patients were enrolled during the spring/summer (Period 2), including 10 patients who prematurely discontinued the water-in-oil emulsion treatment. The itch score measured by a visual analog scale and the severity scores measured by the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) questionnaires significantly decreased during both periods. The changes in these scores during Period 2 were significantly greater than those during Period 1. The "effectiveness" and "general satisfaction" scores measured by the Abbreviated Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9) both significantly increase during Period 2, and the changes in these scores were significantly greater during Period 2 than during Period 1. There was no significant difference in the "convenience" score measured by the TSQM-9. There was no significant change in the category ratio of adherence measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) between before and after the administration of the water-in-oil preparation. In summary, the itch score, patient satisfaction score, and severity of AD were improved in AD patients by changing ointment to a water-in-oil emulsion formulation, especially during the spring and summer period.