Current status of the satisfaction levels of adult patients receiving drugs for atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria

Objectives: The satisfaction level of adult patients receiving drugs for atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria is unclear. The objective of this multicenter study was to assess the satisfaction level of adult patients receiving treatment for allergic skin diseases, primarily atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria. Methods: We developed a self-administered questionnaire with multiple-choice questions on patient characteristics, quality of life (QOL), and Abbreviated Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9). We surveyed 302 patients receiving dermatological treatment. Results: The global satisfaction of patients (TSQM-9) was lower for atopic dermatitis treatment compared with that for chronic urticaria. For atopic dermatitis, dupilumab had higher scores for effectiveness and global satisfaction, whereas topical tacrolimus and moisturizers had higher scores for convenience. For chronic urticaria, omalizumab had higher scores for effectiveness and global satisfaction, while antihistamines had a higher score for convenience. The Dermatology Life Quality Index was significantly associated with treatment effectiveness and global satisfaction, and patient satisfaction improved with the corresponding improvement in the QOL. For atopic dermatitis, satisfaction with dupilumab was higher than that with conventional standard therapy, after the confounding factors were eliminated. However, the same trend was not observed for chronic spontaneous urticaria. Conclusions: The satisfaction of the effectiveness for the biologic agents was higher, compared to that with conventional standard therapy. Treatment with biologics is worth exploring for patients who are not satisfied with their existing treatments.