CLINICAL IMPLICATION S Only SCORAD , EASI , and POEM currently perform adequately .
BACKGROUND Valid and reliable outcome measurements are a prerequisite for evidence -based practice .
The comparative validity and reliability of outcome measurements for assessing atopic eczema ( AE ) severity is unclear .
OBJECTIVE We sought to assess the validity , reliability , sensitivity to change , and ease of use of outcome measurements for AE .
We also sought to give recommendations on which outcomes to use in clinical research and for clinical monitoring .
Double-blind, controlled, crossover study of cyclosporin in adults with severe refractory atopic dermatitis
A few patients remain severely affected by atopic dermatitis into adult life despite treatment with systemic steroids , azathioprine , and photochemotherapy .  33 patients took part in a double-blind ,  placebo-controlled  , crossover study to assess the efficacy and safety of cyclosporin ( 5 mg/kg per day ) in adults with severe refractory atopic dermatitis . Treatments were given for eight weeks each with one group ( n = 16 ) receiving placebo followed by cyclosporin and another ( n = 17 ) receiving cyclosporin and then placebo .  Disease activity , extent of disease , sleep and itch , topical steroid use , and adverse events were assessed every two weeks . Both extent and activity of dermatitis were significantly improved ( p less than 0.001 ) as were subjective measures of disease .  20 patients receiving cyclosporin reported adverse events compared with 8 taking placebo  , although no patient required withdrawal from the study . Cyclosporin therapy led to an increase in the mean serum urea , creatinine , and bilirubin concentrations , although only the rise in bilirubin was significant ( p = 0.001 ) . Our results confirm that cyclosporin is a safe and effective short-term treatment for severe , refractory atopic dermatitis
CLINICAL IMPLICATION S Only SCORAD , EASI , and POEM currently perform adequately .
BACKGROUND Valid and reliable outcome measurements are a prerequisite for evidence -based practice .
The comparative validity and reliability of outcome measurements for assessing atopic eczema ( AE ) severity is unclear .
OBJECTIVE We sought to assess the validity , reliability , sensitivity to change , and ease of use of outcome measurements for AE .
We also sought to give recommendations on which outcomes to use in clinical research and for clinical monitoring .