Abstract
BACKGROUND: Information concerning health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and comorbidities of adult dermatitis patients stratified by loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) is limited.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate HRQoL, skin symptoms and comorbidities in adult FLG mutation carriers.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and/or hand eczema (n = 520). Patients completed questionnaires about dermatitis, skin symptoms, HRQoL, and comorbidities, including actinic keratosis, and atopic and mental disorders.
RESULTS: FLG mutations (R501X, 2282del4, and R2447X) were identified in 16.9% of patients, and were significantly associated not only with atopic dermatitis, but also independently with skin fissures on the fingers and heels, and self-reported actinic keratosis. Although FLG mutations were significantly associated with reduced HRQoL, as measured by use of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), no association with self-reported anxiety or depression was identified. Notably, the highest median DLQI score, reflecting greater impairment, was reported by patients with both FLG mutations and atopic dermatitis. Overall, 19.7% of patients with both atopic dermatitis and FLG mutations reported a 'large or extremely large' impact on their lives; this represents twice the prevalence seen in patients with atopic dermatitis and wild-type FLG (9.6%).
CONCLUSION: Patients with both atopic dermatitis and common FLG mutations are more frequently affected by reduced HRQoL.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Contact Dermatitis |
| Volume | 76 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Pages (from-to) | 167-177 |
| ISSN | 0105-1873 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2017 |