Abstract | BACKGROUND: For long-term management of atopic eczema, the use of skin care creams is recommended, but effectiveness of this treatment is not well established. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to yield data on the skin care properties of a cream with a unique lamellar matrix containing N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) and to assess quality-of-life variables in patients with mild to moderate atopic eczema. SETTING: In this multinational, multicentre, observational, non-controlled, prospective cohort study, patients between 2 and 70 years of age were enrolled. All patients were supplied with the study product sufficient for treatment over the entire study period. Outcome was followed in periods between 3 and 7 days and 4 and 6 weeks after study start. Data were gathered from doctor reports and patient self-assessments via patient questionnaires. RESULTS: Data from 2456 patients entered the database. The mean examination intervals were 6 days for the 3- to 7-day period and 38 days for the 4- to 6-week period. At study end, intensities of erythema, pruritus, excoriation, scaling, lichenification and dryness were significantly reduced with a combined score reduction of 58.6% in the entire population (57.7% in adults > 12 years and 60.5% in children </= 12 years) according to doctors' reports. Patients reported a reduction of pruritus on visual analogue scales from 4.9 +/- 2.6 to 2.7 +/- 2.4 6 days after treatment start and a further reduction to 2.0 +/- 2.3 at study end (P < 0.001 each). Likewise, sleep quality improved significantly during the study period. Earlier-used topical corticosteroids were omitted by 56% of all patients (53.4% in adults and 62.5% in children) at study end, and the average weekly application rate decreased by 62% from 7.9 +/- 6.0 to 3.0 +/- 5.1 (P < 0.001). The tolerance was assessed as very good or good in 92% of cases by both patients and doctors. CONCLUSION: This study showed substantial relief of objective and subjective symptoms of atopic eczema after regular skin care with the study cream. The patient-related effectiveness (decline of pruritus and loss of sleep) indicated a gain in quality of life in these patients. The reduced use of topical corticosteroids is important in view of safety and pharmacoeconomic implications in the treatment of atopic eczema.
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Authors | B Eberlein, C Eicke, H-W Reinhardt, J Ring |
Journal | Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
(J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol)
Vol. 22
Issue 1
Pg. 73-82
(Jan 2008)
ISSN: 1468-3083 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 18181976
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic
- Amides
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
- Emollients
- Endocannabinoids
- Ethanolamines
- Palmitic Acids
- palmidrol
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Topics |
- Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic
- Administration, Oral
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Amides
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Dermatitis, Atopic
(drug therapy, physiopathology)
- Emollients
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Endocannabinoids
- Ethanolamines
- Female
- Humans
- International Cooperation
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Outcome Assessment, Health Care
- Palmitic Acids
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Prospective Studies
- Quality of Life
- Treatment Outcome
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