D1.299 - The prevalence and management features of adolescents with atopic dermatitis under humanitarian crisis

Emotional stressors play a significant role in the development and severity of atopic dermatitis (AD). This is further supported by numerous disease exacerbations triggered by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by the war in Ukraine. Adolescents represent a unique group of patients characterized by immune system changes influenced by increased secretion of reproductive hormones and poor adherence to traditional therapy.

Goal To study the prevalence, severity, and treatment features of AD in adolescents under emergency conditions.

A total of 254 patients with atopy aged 12–18 years were examined. AD severity was assessed using the SCORAD scale, and subjective itching intensity was evaluated via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 to 10 points). PTSD was assessed based on the adapted PTSD questionnaire (Guideline PTSD 2020). Traditional treatment included topical glucocorticosteroids (TCS), topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI), and emollients (national protocol “Atopic Dermatitis,” 2016).

Additionally, patients received rupatadine fumarate (10 mg) and the  glycine (0.25 g, twice daily)

PTSD was diagnosed in 202 (79.5%) patients (median score: 18 [9; 24]), among whom AD was present in 32 (15.8%) individuals, with 40.6% being girls and 59.4% boys. A moderate severity of AD (SCORAD 20–40) was identified. The level of itching on the VAS scale had a median score of 7 [5; 8]. Treatment was prescribed for 1 month, with a follow-up at 3 months. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (15 persons) received only traditional treatment, while Group 2 (17 persons) received traditional treatment combined with additional therapy.

 Under humanitarian crisis conditions, adolescents with PTSD demonstrate a high prevalence of AD with a moderate severity course. Managing such patients requires targeted diagnosis of stress disorders, the addition of antihistamines and sedatives to traditional AD therapy, and collaboration with qualified psychologists and psychotherapists.