Abstract
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Abstract
Year 2021
October 2021

SHBC1578

Abstract Title
A Study on the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Asian Dermatologists in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors

S.EE1, Y.K.TAY1, C.Y.CHU2, E.L.K.HON3, K.F.LEONG4, S.W5

Institutions

Changi General Hospital1, National Taiwan University Hospital2, The Chinese University of Hong Kong3, Kuala Lumpur General Hospital4, Chulalongkorn University5

Background & Hypothesis

Atopic dermatitis is a prevalent skin disease in Asia. Attitudes and practices vary among Asian cities. This study aims to survey similarities and differences in dermatologists’ attitudes and practices in Asian cities.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was sent to 118 dermatologists in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Results

The majority of the respondents would use topical corticosteroids in infants and children with AD. 55.6% of the respondents from Hong Kong used topical calcineurin inhibitors in AD, which is significantly lower compared to the other countries.

Most respondents used oral corticosteroids in severe AD. Many respondents from Singapore and Malaysia use cyclosporin (70% to 92%), azathioprine (80% to 100%) and methotrexate (72% to 75%). Fewer respondents from Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong used cyclosporin (22.2% to 59%), azathioprine (0% to 66.7%) and methotrexate (8% to 25.6%).

A large majority of respondents from Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia use phototherapy in the management of AD (90% to 100%). 24% of respondents from Thailand and 33.3% of respondents from Hong Kong use phototherapy in AD.

Discussion & Conclusion

Compared to the previous study, there is an improvement in the proportion of dermatologists in Asia using topical calcineurin inhibitors and phototherapy. This may signify better access to these treatment modalities throughout the region. The management of AD among Asians require a holistic approach while considering accessibility and cultural differences.

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