Atopic Dermatitis Outcome Measures

The validation and standardization of outcome measures for atopic dermatitis (AD) have advanced significantly in the last decade, predominantly led by the Harmonizing Outcome Measures for Eczema (HOME) initiative. Clinical signs, symptoms, quality of life, and long-term control have been defined by the HOME group as the core outcome domains to be used as primary or secondary endpoints for atopic dermatitis trials. The Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score was chosen as the core measure for the clinical signs domain, among at least 13 other measures of clinical signs. The Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) score was chosen the core measure for the symptoms domain, among at least 12 other measures of symptoms. Various outcome measures for the QoL domain have also been investigated, with the Quality of Life Index for Atopic Dermatitis (QoLIAD) and the Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) being two of the more preferred measures for eczema clinical trials, although the better of the two is yet to be decided by consensus. HOME is also making progress toward defining the core outcome measure for the long-term control domain, with future consensus meetings planned.