S. Smith1,2,3,4, C. Baker5,6, B. Frankum7,8, K. Gebauer9, D. Rubel10, P. Foley5,6
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease that has significant negative impact on health-related quality of life, mood and sleep, work productivity, and everyday activities. Recent literature cites a lack of data, particularly with regard to long-term safety outcomes and comparative effectiveness of current therapies [1,2]. Research into the use of biologic drugs in the management of AD continues to develop and recent international updates and recommendations have been published. However, questions remain in the Australian setting.
Methods: A panel of five dermatologists and one clinical immunologist will review the literature and examine clinical questions of relevance to Australian health care practitioners. Following review and discussion of these questions, recommendation statements will be developed using a modified Delphi process. The process will include a maximum of two rounds of voting with consensus defined as achievement of ≥ 75% agreement in the range 7–9 on a scale of 1–9 for each question.
Outcomes: This consensus aims to provide evidencebased insights and practical advice on the management of AD in Australia. It will focus on four key areas: (1) current consensus on the prevalence, pathophysiology, and burden of AD; (2) establishment of criteria for severity classification and treatment goals; (3) how best to apply these criteria to an algorithm encompassing current and future management options and (4) practical aspects of the management framework including comorbidities and multidisciplinary team involvement.
Study funding: Editorial assistance (Hazel Palmer, Scriptix Pty Ltd) was funded by Sanofi-Genzyme Australia Pty Ltd.
1. Megna M, et al. Dermatol Ther. 2017;7(1):1–23.
2. Weidinger S, Novak N. Lancet. 2016;387(10023):1109–22.