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More diversified, randomized controlled trials of atopic dermatitis treatment needed

A need exists for large-scale, randomized, controlled trials of systemic treatment for atopic dermatitis that include more racial and ethnic diversity to better represent the diverse U.S. population, according to a literature review.

Researchers searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and GREAT databases from 1898 to 2014 for all studies involving atopic dermatitis (AD), atopic eczema, phototherapy, UV, cyclosporine and other various psoriasis-related terms.

The sample size of patients with AD included in the analysis ranged from five to 28. The researchers found that, overall, narrowband-UV, low-dose UVA and UVB, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine all resulted in good clinical improvement and/or clearance; however, only two of these studies reported data on treatment responses in different races or ethnicities.

“Currently we are lacking crucial data to allow for accurately weighing the benefits of [systemic] treatment against the risk of adverse effects,” the researchers wrote.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.