Leukosis/sarcoma group

Abstract

B. Full title of research question What is the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of pimecrolimus and tacrolimus for atopic eczema relative to current standard treatments. C. Clarification of research question and scope Atopic dermatitis (or eczema) is a skin condition characterised by inflammatory lesions of very varied manifestations including redness, dryness, itching, thickening of the skin and scaling. Lesions may be limited to small isolated patches resolving within a short time or can evolve into widespread persistent disease or recurrent flares, sometimes complicated by bacterial or viral skin infections. Objective measurement of eczema severity is difficult. Standard measurement scales exist (such as the Atopic Dermatitis Severity Index, ADSI, and many others)1 encompassing the extent of areas affected and the intensity or spectrum of symptoms, including erythema (redness), pruritus (itching), exudation (weeping), excoriation (peeling) and lichenification (skin thickening). Although a chronic, non-fatal condition, eczema causes considerable distress and