ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to assess the consequences of atopic dermatitis/ eczema on two areas: (1) the quality of life of parents/caregivers and (2) resource utilization from two large group practices. Data from 414 patients with atopic dermatitis, aged two to 12 years, were collected between January 2001 and December 2003. Parents/caregivers completed the Parent's Index of Quality of Life-Atopic Dermatitis (PIQoL-AD). One-way analysis of variance and analysis of covariance models determined statistical significance. Pairwise significance testing was performed to determine statistical differences (P < .05). Mean patient age was 6.7 years and 55% of patients were males; mild and moderate atopic dermatitis was present in 82% and 13% of patients, respectively. Mean PIQoL-AD scores worsened (5.9 +/- 5.4 vs. 3.0 +/- 3.6, P < .001) for caregivers whose child had disease flares versus those without disease flares. Patients with atopic dermatitis incurred an additional 1.8 unscheduled visits annually at a cost of $93.54 per patient. It was determined that atopic dermatitis may have considerable quality-of-life and financial consequences to both family and community.