Treatment Patterns of Pediatric Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Claims Data Analysis

Abstract Background Real-world evidence on treatment patterns of pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) is sparse. Objective To assess current treatment patterns in pediatric AD patients. Methods Retrospective observational analysis of commercial insurance and Medicaid administrative claims data (01/2011–12/2016) for pediatric AD patients, stratified by age and provider type. Results Analytic sample comprised 607,258 pediatric AD patients. Median observation period was 30.3 months; 78.6% were prescribed > 1 AD medication. 86.7% were prescribed topical corticosteroids (TCS); 5.4% a calcineurin inhibitor. Systemic corticosteroids (SCS) were prescribed for 24.4% patients, of whom 51.8% had no asthma/allergic comorbidities. Of the 46.6% and 16.2% prescribed an antihistamine or montelukast, respectively, 62.0% and 41.3% had no asthma/allergic comorbidities. Systemic immunosuppressants were rarely prescribed ( Limitations Identification of AD patients relied on billing diagnoses; disease severity proxied based on treatment. Conclusion Results indicate that SCS, despite known risks, and other medications with disproven efficacy in AD are frequently prescribed, suggesting a need for safer and, more effective alternatives.