Dermatologic Clinics RSS feed: Current Issue. Dermatologic Clinics updates you on the latest trends in patient management, keeps you up to date on the newest advances, and provides a sound basis for choosing treatment options. Each issue focuses on a single topic in dermatology and is presented under the direction of an experienced guest editor. http://www.derm.theclinics.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Dermatologic Clinics0733-8635302April 2012 © 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863512000162/abstract?rss=yesContributors10.1016/S0733-8635(12)00016-2Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Dermatologic Clinics2012-04-01302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2iiivhttp://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863512000174/abstract?rss=yesContents10.1016/S0733-8635(12)00017-4Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Dermatologic Clinics2012-04-01302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2viixhttp://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863512000186/abstract?rss=yesForthcoming Issues10.1016/S0733-8635(12)00018-6Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Dermatologic Clinics2012-04-01302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2xixihttp://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511002117/abstract?rss=yesHealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) is increasingly being recognized as an important parameter to consider in research as well as in patient care. In fact, the Healthy People 2020 initiative, developed by lead federal agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Institutes of Health, and Food and Drug Administration, to name a few, has named “health-related quality of life and well-being” as a new topic area for this decade as a high-priority national health objective.PrefaceSuephy C. Chen10.1016/j.det.2011.11.014Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2011-12-23Dermatologic Clinics2011-12-23302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2xiiixiiihttp://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511002129/abstract?rss=yesImprovement of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a major goal of dermatology. Identifying how the skin condition affects lives, quantifying this burden, and using this information to improve patients' lives on an individual basis are important targets in clinical dermatology. Using this information in clinical trials and on a health policy level is the objective of QoL research. This article introduces a compendium of articles that address HRQoL in dermatology across a spectrum of diseases and ways that HRQoL can be incorporated in the clinical and research settings.Health-Related Quality of Life in Dermatology: Introduction and OverviewSuephy C. Chen10.1016/j.det.2011.12.001Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Dermatologic Clinics2012-04-01302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2205208http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511002026/abstract?rss=yesThe concept of quality of life (QOL) is becoming increasingly important in medicine, particularly in dermatology where many cutaneous diseases have the potential to affect the quality rather than the length of life. There is increasing interest in devising methodology to accurately measure the impact of disease on QOL for use in clinical practice, research studies, and economic analyses. The question of which dermatologic QOL instruments to choose inevitably arises. The aim of this article is to familiarize readers with health status measures and to review their use in dermatology.Overview of Health Status Quality-of-Life MeasuresSeema P. Kini, Laura K. DeLong10.1016/j.det.2011.11.007Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2012-01-06Dermatologic Clinics2012-01-06302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2209221http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511002130/abstract?rss=yesIn this overview of preference-based measures, utilities and willingness to pay (WTP) are discussed as measures relevant to dermatology for capturing the burden of skin diseases. An overview is provided of the concepts of utilities and WTP and their importance in decision making. Specific examples of elicitation methods for capturing utility and WTP measures are provided. Prior studies exploring utilities and WTP in dermatology are reviewed. Each of these measures has limitations and likely varying relevance to specific dermatologic diseases and to specific individuals.Preference-Based Measures in Dermatology: An Overview of Utilities and Willingness to PayAnne M. Seidler, Seema P. Kini, Laura K. DeLong, Emir Veledar, Suephy C. Chen10.1016/j.det.2011.12.002Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2011-12-26Dermatologic Clinics2011-12-26302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2223229http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511001987/abstract?rss=yesSkindex-29 and Skindex-16 are validated measures of the effects of skin diseases on patients' quality of life. This article reviews the development of both versions of Skindex, discusses their measurement properties and interpretability, and gives examples of how they have been used and adapted for dermatologic research internationally. Studies of quality of life in patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer are described to illustrate the use of Skindex to understand quality of life and to compare effectiveness of different treatments for this highly prevalent condition.The Skindex Instruments to Measure the Effects of Skin Disease on Quality of LifeMary-Margaret Chren10.1016/j.det.2011.11.003Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2011-12-22Dermatologic Clinics2011-12-22302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2231236http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511001975/abstract?rss=yesThe Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is an easy and practical way of quantifying the impact of skin disease. The role of DLQI in treatment guidelines and its emergence as an eligibility and response criterion in health technology appraisal are discussed. This review analyzes the current available literature on the clinical use of the DLQI, with particular reference to its relationship with disease severity and as a criterion in the assessment of health technology. The need for future studies of chronic hand eczema to incorporate DLQI to document quality-of-life outcomes with new treatments is also discussed.A Review of the Use of the Dermatology Life Quality Index as a Criterion in Clinical Guidelines and Health Technology Assessments in Psoriasis and Chronic Hand EczemaMohammad K.A. Basra, Mahbub M.U. Chowdhury, Emma V. Smith, Nick Freemantle, Vincent Piguet10.1016/j.det.2011.11.002Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2011-12-23Dermatologic Clinics2011-12-23302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2237244http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511002063/abstract?rss=yesThe increasing public health burden of melanoma warrants evaluation of quality-of-life outcomes and the instruments most commonly used to measure quality of life in patients with melanoma. A review of the published literature focusing on quality-of-life outcomes in melanoma patients was performed to appraise the instruments used for assessment and the significant findings. In general, generic instruments continue to be most commonly used in the evaluation of quality of life despite the lack of responsiveness to changes in quality of life in subsets of patients. Cancer-specific and melanoma-specific instruments may be more suited for longitudinal clinical assessments.Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Melanoma: Overview of Instruments and OutcomesJanice N. Cormier, Kate D. Cromwell, Merrick I. Ross10.1016/j.det.2011.11.011Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2011-12-23Dermatologic Clinics2011-12-23302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2245254http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511002105/abstract?rss=yesVitiligo, an acquired disease of depigmentation, affects millions worldwide. The psychosocial and health-related quality of life (HRQL) impact of the disease varies based on several parameters, including country of origin, skin type, gender, age, marital status, and involved body site. Many instruments, both dermatology specific and dermatology nonspecific, have been used to measure HRQL. Assessing HRQL in vitiligo is an important part of disease management.Quality-of-Life Issues in VitiligoSulochana S. Bhandarkar, Roopal V. Kundu10.1016/j.det.2011.11.013Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2011-12-19Dermatologic Clinics2011-12-19302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2255268http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS073386351100204X/abstract?rss=yesThe Melasma Quality of Life scale (MELASQOL) is a useful tool in assessing quality of life in patients with melasma. Initially developed in English, it has recently been translated into Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, and Turkish. Development of a validated, translated, disease-specific quality of life questionnaire is a complex process which is further discussed in this article. When developing the MELASQOL in other languages, careful attention must be paid to cross-cultural adaptation and proper methods of translation and validation to have an accurate instrument. This article addresses these methods, which could be useful to those desiring to develop the MELASQOL in other languages.Melasma Quality of Life MeasuresTiffany J. Lieu, Amit G. Pandya10.1016/j.det.2011.11.009Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Dermatologic Clinics2012-04-01302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2269280http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511002014/abstract?rss=yesThe negative impact of psoriasis on a patient's quality of life (QoL) is well documented in the literature. Patients often suffer poor self-esteem, difficulties in social interactions, and significant psychological distress. It is, therefore, critically important that a clinician evaluate the extent to which the disease impacts a patient's QoL. This chapter reviews several validated and reliable generic, dermatology-specific, and disease-specific QoL instruments useful in measuring the impact of psoriasis on patient's QoL. These QoL instruments can be especially helpful in identifying those patients who would most benefit from systemic or biologic therapy.Quality-of-Life Instruments: Evaluation of the Impact of Psoriasis on PatientsMisha M. Heller, Jillian W. Wong, Tien V. Nguyen, Eric S. Lee, Tina Bhutani, Alan Menter, John Y.M. Koo10.1016/j.det.2011.11.006Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Dermatologic Clinics2012-04-01302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2281291http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511001963/abstract?rss=yesAcne vulgaris affects most adolescents and two-thirds of adults and is associated with substantial psychosocial burden. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for patients with acne is an important factor of patient care, and several dermatologic and acne-specific measures have been created to assist in acne research, management, and care. This review describes several skin disease and acne-specific HRQOL measures and their applications in clinical care or research. The ideal HRQOL measure for the management of patients with acne is a concise questionnaire that places minimal burden on respondents and allows physicians to track improvement in HRQOL with successful treatment.Quality of Life Measures for Acne PatientsLauren E. Barnes, Michelle M. Levender, Alan B. Fleischer, Steven R. Feldman10.1016/j.det.2011.11.001Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2011-12-19Dermatologic Clinics2011-12-19302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2293300http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511002038/abstract?rss=yesBoth congenital and acquired bullous dermatoses have the potential to impose a significant burden of disease, and the impact exerted on the quality of life (QOL) of patients is often multifaceted. The qualitative and quantitative studies reviewing QOL in patients with bullous dermatoses have all reported a significant decrease in QOL scores compared with the greater population using a range of patient-based measures. Formal evaluation of QOL in the setting of bullous dermatoses facilitates the assessment of disease severity and mapping of disease trajectory and can capture outcomes of therapeutic intervention relevant to the patient.Quality-of-Life Measurement in Blistering DiseasesDeshan F. Sebaratnam, John W. Frew, Fereydoun Davatchi, Dédée F. Murrell10.1016/j.det.2011.11.008Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2011-12-22Dermatologic Clinics2011-12-22302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2301307http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511002099/abstract?rss=yesHealth-related quality of life (QoL) is a patient-reported outcome that describes the impact of the disease in question to all aspects of persons' life, including psychosocial, emotional, physical, and functional impact. As such, health-related QoL is particularly relevant in conditions that have no physical signs and need to rely on patient reports to know whether they are improving or not. Work is beginning in pruritus to develop instruments that can measure pruritus-related QoL. This article reviews the instruments that have been developed and used in pruritus and also reviews the literature regarding the impact of pruritus on QoL.PruritusSuephy C. Chen10.1016/j.det.2011.11.012Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2011-12-22Dermatologic Clinics2011-12-22302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2309321http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511001999/abstract?rss=yesHealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) is gradually becoming a standard outcome in clinical research and health care management. Nevertheless, application in dermatologic practice is not customary and many practical and attitudinal barriers need to be overcome. To contribute to the discussion on and the implementation of HRQoL assessment in routine dermatologic practice, this article describes (1) why HRQoL assessment is relevant for dermatologic practice, (2) which patients would benefit most from routine HRQoL assessment, and (3) how HRQoL assessment can be applied in clinical practice.Health-Related Quality-of-Life Assessment in Dermatologic Practice: Relevance and ApplicationO.D. van Cranenburgh, C.A.C. Prinsen, M.A.G. Sprangers, Ph.I. Spuls, J. de Korte10.1016/j.det.2011.11.004Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2011-12-22Dermatologic Clinics2011-12-22302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2323332http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511002051/abstract?rss=yesClinical meaning can be assigned to scores of health status measures by using a variety of approaches. The anchor-based approach involves determining the difference on a quality of life (QOL) scale that corresponds to a self-reported small but important change on a global scale given concomitantly, which serves as an independent anchor. This article focuses on the anchor-based banding approach and reviews methods to assign clinical meaning to QOL measures, specifically the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex. This article also includes pilot data that compares the DLQI and Skindex using these previously validated banding systems.Clinical Meaning in Skin-specific Quality of Life Instruments: A Comparison of the Dermatology Life Quality Index and Skindex Banding SystemsAnna Rogers, Laura K. DeLong, Suephy C. Chen10.1016/j.det.2011.11.010Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Dermatologic Clinics2012-04-01302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2333342http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863511002002/abstract?rss=yesWithin the last few decades, outcomes research, and in particular quality of life (QoL) outcomes research, has become integrated into clinical and research practices. QoL outcomes are important to dermatology, because many diseases carry significant psychosocial burdens and morbidity from appearance and symptoms with few cases of mortality. In this article, the authors discuss the future directions in QoL. Important areas are the determination, clinical significance and interpretation of measured QoL values. Additionally, the development of proxies for preference-based QoL measures and modules for health status QoL measures are discussed.Future Directions in Dermatology Quality of Life MeasuresLaura K. DeLong, Suephy C. Chen10.1016/j.det.2011.11.005Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2011-12-23Dermatologic Clinics2011-12-23302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2343347http://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/PIIS0733863512000198/abstract?rss=yesIndex10.1016/S0733-8635(12)00019-8Dermatologic Clinics 30, 2 (2012)2012-04-01Dermatologic Clinics2012-04-01302S0733-8635(11)X0006-2349354