StabiEL: Stabilization of skin condition with Elidel – a patients’ satisfaction observational study addressing the treatment, with pimecrolimus cream, of atopic dermatitis pretreated with topical corticosteroid

Background The objective of this 4-month multicentre observational study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of intermittent long-term treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) with pimecrolimus cream 1% in the daily practice and to compare it with the preceding topical corticosteroid-based therapy in retrospective.

Patients and methods Overall severity of AD and individual symptoms were assessed in 3200 patients by the physician, whereas acceptance of treatment and satisfaction of patients was investigated using a patient questionnaire.

Results The percentage of patients clear or almost clear of symptoms increased from 12% to 82%. Seventy-four per cent of physician rated the treatment better than the preceding therapy, and 21% noted no difference. Seventy-seven per cent of the patients asserted that long-term intermittent treatment with pimecrolimus reduces the frequency of flares as opposed to less than 27% for topical corticosteroids. Patients also felt that pimecrolimus results in a higher improvement in quality of life; 84% stated that pimecrolimus stabilized the skin compared with 27% for topical steroids.

Conclusion Intermittent treatment of AD patients with pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective and well tolerated, and results in higher patient satisfaction compared with topical corticosteroids in retrospective.