Unveiling atopic dermatitis burden in Brazil: a report from clinical assistance perspective

Abstract

Objective: Atopic dermatitis (AD) or atopic eczema is a chronic skin inflammatory disease that involves the interaction between immune, genetic and environmental triggers. AD affects 15%- 20% of infants and 1%-4% of adults worldwide although prevalence varies per country. The main objective is to raise the awareness of AD impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL) in Brazil. Methods: Interviews were carried out with key Therapeutic Area Experts (TAEs) throughout the country to gain information about disease management, treatment efficacy and patient’s QoL. For disease cost estimation, private health costs from public sources was used. Results: AD prevalence in adults was estimated at 7% in Brazil, of which 35% was moderate and 30% severe AD. Overall, 41% of patients have undergone 5 or more different treatments. However, 17% and 29% of patients with moderate and severe AD, respectively, fail to control their disease. Emollients and topical steroids are the main first-line (1L) treatments for all AD patients, although in the case of moderate and severe AD, a rapid 2-week treatment transition from 1L to 2L has been reported. In terms of economic burden, for severe and moderate AD patients, direct medical costs (medical appointments, treatments, hospitalizations and others) are between 94% and 93%. Regarding indirect costs, absenteeism was estimated to be responsible for 6% and 7% of total cost in moderate and severe AD patients, respectively. Conclusion: There is a need for AD treatments that can be used in the long term without severe side effects and with a positive impact on QoL.