By Allison Sit
A National Eczema Association (NEA) study published in JAMA Dermatology identified patient-reported attributes associated with a “flare” of atopic dermatitis. The study sought to develop a clearer and patient-centered definition of the commonly used term.
“There’s actually no single standardized definition of an eczema flare and no definition that incorporates patients’ lived experiences and perspectives,” said Wendy Smith Begolka, senior author of the study and chief strategy officer at NEA. “In this study, we wanted to get closer to defining what ‘flare’ actually signifies to people with eczema.”
NEA researchers conducted online focus group discussions with 29 adults with eczema. Researchers analyzed transcripts of the conversations for common themes, and used a modified eDelphi approach to assess consensus among the focus group participants. Researchers then surveyed a wider group of adults with atopic dermatitis on 15 statements that had received consensus in the focus group. After identifying six themes, researchers created twelve statements that a wider adult patient population with atopic dermatitis agreed upon. The top three statements addressed acute worsening of symptoms, changes in physical health that interrupt the day-to-day, and an eruption on some area of the body.
The NEA is continuing to work on creating shared language between patients, healthcare providers and treatment developers.
The Vanderbilt University Medical Center dermatology department chair is stepping down. Mary-Margaret (Meg) Chren, MD, will retire from Vanderbilt at the end of this year. She will become a visiting scholar in the Stanford University Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences.
“With dermatologic services being among our most sought-after clinical offerings, we are fortunate to have benefited from Dr. Chren’s leadership as the department’s inaugural chair. She has fostered an environment where her colleagues can thrive while providing our patients outstanding care,” said Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, president and chief executive officer of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
Allison Hanlon, MD, PhD, MBA, associate professor of dermatology, will serve as interim chair, beginning January 1. Vanderbilt will conduct a national search to identify Dr. Chren’s permanent successor.
AbbVie is awarding scholarships to students living with chronic, inflammatory diseases. Forty-five students received the AbbVie Immunology Scholarship to assist in paying towards an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree in the 2024-2025 academic year. AbbVie equally divided the scholarships among dermatology, gastroenterology and rheumatology therapeutic areas.
“Receiving the AbbVie Immunology Scholarship is more than just financial support; it is a profound validation of my dedication to achieving my personal and professional goals despite the daily battle with an inflammatory disease,” said LaWanda McCraney, 2024-2025 scholarship recipient and PhD candidate at Adler University. “This scholarship is a testament to the potential impact of my work and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.”
According to an AbbVie news release, research finds that young adults with chronic illness that began in childhood have statistically lower high school and college graduation rates due to the challenges of living with chronic illness.
