Clinical Scorecard: Assessment of Systemic Corticosteroid Use in Individuals with Atopic Dermatitis: Findings from a US Population Study
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Key Mechanisms
Systemic corticosteroids broadly suppress the immune system without selectively targeting inflammatory pathways in AD, leading to potential adverse effects.
Target Population
Care Setting
Key Highlights
One in five patients with AD was prescribed systemic corticosteroids, with significant side effects reported.
Nearly one-quarter of prescriptions exceeded 90 days in duration.
Real-world corticosteroid use is misaligned with clinical guidelines.
Advanced systemic therapies are available but underutilized.
Need for safer, corticosteroid-sparing treatments is emphasized.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
Routine use of systemic corticosteroids is not recommended; restrict to special circumstances such as acute flare control or when no alternative options are viable.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with Atopic Dermatitis aged ≥ 12 years.
Systemic corticosteroids remain widely prescribed despite the availability of advanced therapies.
Clinical Best Practices
Adopt corticosteroid-sparing treatments where possible.
Educate patients on the risks associated with long-term corticosteroid use.
Follow clinical guidelines for the management of moderate-to-severe AD.
Implement regular follow-up assessments to monitor treatment efficacy and side effects.
by Christopher G. Bunick, Ruth Ann Vleugels, Mark Lebwohl, April W. Armstrong, Ayman Grada, Emma Xiaomeng Yue, Madhi Saranadasa, Lani Wegrzyn, Elvira D’Andrea
