Prescribing practices for systemic agents in the treatment of severe pediatric atopic dermatitis in the US and Canada: The PeDRA TREAT survey

Background There is a paucity of literature to direct physicians in the prescribing of immunomodulators for patients with severe atopic dermatitis (AD). Objective To survey systemic agent prescribing practices for severe childhood AD among clinicians in the United States and Canada. Methods The TREatment of severe Atopic dermatitis in children Taskforce (TREAT), USC azathioprine was the most commonly cited third-line agent. The main factors that discouraged use of systemic agents were side-effect profiles (82.6%) and perceived risks of long-term toxicity (81.7%). Limitations Investigation of the sequence of systemic medications or combination systemic therapy was limited. Recall bias may have affected the results. Conclusion Great variation exists in prescribing practices among American and Canadian physicians using systemic agents for treatment of pediatric AD.