Discrepancy Between Leitlinienempfehlungen and Verschreibungspraktiken in Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis during Pregnancy and Lactation

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in Berlin, Germany, have conducted a study to investigate the treatment practices of atopic dermatitis in pregnant and lactating women. The study, part of the ADCARE-Initiative of the Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network (GA2LEN), collected data from 103 doctors from 32 countries, mainly dermatologists and allergists. The study found that antihistamines were the most commonly used systemic medication during pregnancy and lactation, with 73-81% of doctors preferring them. However, the study also revealed a discrepancy between the recommended cyclosporin and the actual use of systemic corticosteroids, which were preferred by 42.5% of doctors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ADCARE-Initiative study collected data from 103 doctors from 32 countries on the treatment practices of atopic dermatitis in pregnant and lactating women.
  • Antihistamines were the most commonly used systemic medication during pregnancy and lactation, with 73-81% of doctors preferring them.
  • Systemic corticosteroids were preferred by 42.5% of doctors for acute symptoms, while biologics and antihistamines were each preferred by 18.8%.
  • The recommended cyclosporin was rarely used as a preferred medication, with only 1.25% of doctors considering it.
  • The study highlights a discrepancy between the Leitlinienempfehlungen and the actual treatment practices of doctors.

Statistics:

  • 103 doctors from 32 countries participated in the study.
  • 73-81% of doctors preferred antihistamines as systemic medication during pregnancy and lactation.
  • 42.5% of doctors preferred systemic corticosteroids for acute symptoms.
  • 18.8% of doctors preferred biologics, and 18.8% preferred antihistamines.
  • 1.25% of doctors considered cyclosporin as a preferred medication.

Sources:

  • Internationale Umfrage Zur Behandlungspraktiken Bei Atopischer Dermatitis Bei Schwangeren Und Stillenden Frauen: Perspektiven Von Arzten. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 2025;23(9):1116-1125.
  • NewsRx. New Findings from Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in the Area of Dermatitis Reported (Internationale Umfrage Zur Behandlungspraktiken Bei Atopischer Dermatitis Bei Schwangeren Und Stillenden Frauen: Perspektiven Von Arzten). Health & Medicine Week. October 31, 2025; p 3010.