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 .
Influence of Pimecrolimus Cream 1% on Different Morphological Signs of Eczema in Infants with Atopic Dermatitis
Background : In the published studies on the efficacy of the topical immunomodulator pimecrolimus , different eczema scores were used , and the impact on morphological key signs of eczema was not analysed . Objective : To compare the influence of pimecrolimus cream 1 % on different st and ard eczema scores in infants with atopic dermatitis and to analyse the impact of treatment on the individual morphological key signs of eczema . Methods :  Pimecrolimus cream 1 % ( n = 129 ) or double-blind vehicle control ( n = 66 ) was administered for 4 weeks . The Eczema Area and Severity Index ( EASI ) , Investigators ’ Global Assessment ( IGA ) and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Index ( SCORAD ) were determined and were correlated with each other . Results : Following treatment with pimecrolimus , the EASI , IGA and SCORAD were significantly reduced on day 29 as compared with the vehicle group ( p < 0.001 , p < 0.001 , p = 0.002 , respectively ) . There was a close correlation between EASI , IGA and SCORAD . The single parameters of the EASI were already significantly decreased by day 4 in the pimecrolimus group as compared to vehicle ( each p < 0.001 ) . Conclusion : Treatment with pimecrolimus 1 % cream leads to a rapid improvement of all morphological signs of eczema . The close correlation of different scores was shown for the first time
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 .