StabiEL: stabilization of skin condition with Elidel--a patients' satisfaction observational study addressing the treatment, with pimecrolimus cream, of atopic dermatitis pretreated with topical corticosteroid.

Background: The objective of this 4-month multicentre observational study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of intermittent long-term treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) with pimecrolimus cream 1% in the daily practice and to compare it with the preceding topical corticosteroid-based therapy in retrospective.

Patients And Methods: Overall severity of AD and individual symptoms were assessed in 3200 patients by the physician, whereas acceptance of treatment and satisfaction of patients was investigated using a patient questionnaire.

Results: The percentage of patients clear or almost clear of symptoms increased from 12% to 82%. Seventy-four per cent of physician rated the treatment better than the preceding therapy, and 21% noted no difference. Seventy-seven per cent of the patients asserted that long-term intermittent treatment with pimecrolimus reduces the frequency of flares as opposed to less than 27% for topical corticosteroids. Patients also felt that pimecrolimus results in a higher improvement in quality of life; 84% stated that pimecrolimus stabilized the skin compared with 27% for topical steroids.

Conclusion: Intermittent treatment of AD patients with pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective and well tolerated, and results in higher patient satisfaction compared with topical corticosteroids in retrospective.