RELIEF-AD: Real-world effectiveness of mometasone furoate in itch reduction in pediatric atopic dermatitis

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Dear Editor, Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease driven by dryness, barrier dysfunction, and persistent itch, causing sleep disturbance, psychosocial burden, and impaired quality of life for both children and caregivers.[1] Dry skin lowers the itch threshold through increased intraepidermal nerve fibers and sensory nerve sensitization mediated by keratinocyte-derived interleukin (IL)-33.This makes the skin highly responsive to mechanical and chemical itch triggers.Scratching further damages the skin barrier, allowing allergen penetration and promoting type 2 inflammation.T-helper 2(Th2) cytokines, including IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31, amplify sensory nerve sensitization, creating a self-perpetuating itch-scratch cycle that drives disease burden.Therefore, effective itch control is central to AD management.[2] Topical corticosteroids inhibit T-cell proliferation and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production responsible for itch [3] and hence remain the first-line anti-inflammatory therapy.[4] Among available agents, mometasone furoate is a mid-potent topical corticosteroid with strong glucocorticoid-receptor affinity, once-daily dosing, and a favorable therapeutic index when used appropriately.[5] However, real-world evidence focused on patient-perceived itch reduction in Indian children treated with mometasone furoate is limited.We report findings from a large, multicenter, retrospective, real-world study conducted across India evaluating patientreported outcomes following short-term use of mometasone furoate 0.1% cream in pediatric patients with mild to moderate AD.Improvement in itch was assessed using patient-reported outcomes on a 10-point scale.Scores of 8-10 were categorized as clear/almost clear response, scores of 1-3 as inadequate response, and intermediate scores (4-7) represented partial to moderate symptom control.