Determining atopic dermatitis adult patients’ preferences regarding novel systemic treatment

Introduction:
The significant progress in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, which has occurred in recent years, employing both biologic drugs and small molecules, has contributed to an increased number of therapeutic options for patients with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis. In order to enhance patient compliance and, consequently, improve the chances of treatment effectiveness, shared decision-making is needed and patients’ preferences regarding the choice of medication must be taken into consideration.

Objective:
The aim of our study was to evaluate which features of novel systemic drugs in atopic dermatitis are preferred among adult patients with atopic dermatitis.

Material and methods:
An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to adult patients from the dermatology clinic in Gdansk and online support groups.

Results:
A total 174 Polish citizens completed the questionnaire, 160 met the including criteria (76.3% female, mainly in the age of 26–35 years old). Overall, respondents valued itch reduction (55.6% (n = 89)) more than achieving clear skin (44.3% (n = 71)). Assuming the same effectiveness of both forms of the drug, injectable and oral, it was observed that individuals with a history of dupilumab usage (n = 20) made an equally distributed choice between two available drug administration options – both tablets (50% (n = 10)) and injections (50% (n = 10)). Among those individuals without dupilumab treatment history, 70% (n = 98) opted for the tablet form, while 30% (n = 42) favored the injectable form. This study established preferences regarding new systemic treatment in atopic dermatitis.

Conclusions:
Our findings can be helpful for medical professionals in order to find the most suitable treatment option and increase the effectiveness of the treatment.