In a recent study published in the JAMA Network Open , a group of researchers evaluated the association between long-term oral corticosteroid use and adverse events (AEs) in adult patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) (Chronic skin inflammation). Background AD is a chronic inflammatory disease causing significant morbidity and is prevalent in adults (2.1%-4.
9% across countries). Up to 10% of adults with moderate to severe AD require medication. Despite guidelines advising limited short-term use, many patients use oral corticosteroids long-term, potentially leading to complications.
Few studies have examined the long-term effects of oral corticosteroids on AD patients. This highlights the need for more research to understand the safety and possible complications of prolonged use in this population. About the study The present study used the South Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database from January 1, 2012, to October 31, 2021, covering comprehensive healthcare data for residents.
The institutional review board of Sungkyunkwan University approved the study, waiving informed consent due to anonymized data. The cohort included patients prescribed oral corticosteroids with an AD diagnosis from January 1, 2013, to October 31, 2020. Exclusions were applied to those with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, any of 11 specified outcomes, or those younger than 18.
Exposure was assessed yearly, defining long-term use as over 30 or 90 days per year with a .