Moawad S, et al. – In this multicenter study, the physicians compared the topical corticosteroid concerns (TCC) of parents of children with psoriasis with atopic dermatitis (AD) using the TOPICOP scale and a visual analog scale (VAS). They reported that the level of TCC for the parents of pediatric patients with psoriasis appeared to be similar to the parents of pediatric patients with AD. However, further research work was required to determine whether therapeutic education lessens TCC and improves treatment outcomes.

Methods

• This study was conducted in nine French hospitals from 1 October 2015 to 31 May 2016.
• The TOPICOP scale was developed for patients with AD and comprises 12 questions to assess patients’ worries and beliefs about topical corticosteroids, with a maximum score of 36.
• A standardized questionnaire was used to collect epidemiologic and medical data.
• The parents completed the TOPICOP scale and VAS (score 0–10).

Results

• This study included 122 children (61 patients in each group).
• The mean Physician Global Assessment was 2.1 in the psoriasis group.
• In the AD group, the mean SCORing AD index was 33.3.
• The TOPICOP score was 16.0 in the psoriasis group and 18.8 in the AD group (p = 0.10).
• The VAS score was 5.6 and 5.1 in the psoriasis and AD groups, respectively (p = 0.18).
• The mean TOPICOP score was higher if the mother answered (p < 0.0001; odds ratio 12.3; 95% confidence interval 9.2–15.5).
• In the AD group, the mean TOPICOP score was higher if follow–up for the child was as an outpatient (p = 0.018).
• In the psoriasis group, the mean TOPICOP score was higher if patients were seen for the first time (p = 0.047).