The Atopic Dermatitis Quickscore (ADQ): Validation of a new parent-administered atopic dermatitis scoring tool

摘要

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) severity is assessed using relatively elaborate scoring systems administered by health care practitioners; modification for parent assessment or self-assessment is limited. For ongoing home-based evaluation of pediatric AD treatment and outcomes, a quick, easy-to-use, parent-administered scoring tool is essential. Objective: To evaluate the validity and responsiveness to change of the Atopic Dermatitis Quickscore (ADQ) compared with the established, widely used Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Severity Index (SCORAD). Methods: The ADQ was developed for parent report and was validated against the SCORAD. The SCORAD assesses percentage of body surface area involved, intensity of a "representative area," pruritus, and insomnia. The ADQ assesses involvement and pruritus of 7 body parts. Sixty-eight children entering a pediatric day treatment program for moderate to severe AD were recruited. Skin severity was scored at admission by a physician assistant using the SCORAD and by a parent using the ADQ. Pearson correlations of the 2 scales were assessed. Results: The ADQ total score correlates with the SCORAD total score (r = 0.64, P < .001). The ADQ pruritus score correlates with the SCORAD pruritus score (r = 0.62, P < .001). Correlation at the end of treatment was also seen for ADQ and SCORAD total and pruritus scores (r = 0.39, P < .02, and r = 0.66, P < .001, respectively). Responsiveness of both scales to change in skin condition was demonstrated, with significant decreases in total and pruritus scores (P < .001). Conclusions: The parent-administered ADQ takes 5 minutes to complete. Scores from the ADQ and the SCORAD are well correlated and are responsive to changes in skin condition, supporting the validity of the ADQ.