Research of Pattern identification and Outcome Measurement in Atopic Dermatitis

아토피피부염의 변증과 평가방법에 대한 고찰

Objective : An adequate measurement for Atopic Dermatitis(AD) is essential for studies about the treatment of AD. To establish a new and adequate scoring system for AD in Korean medicine, we reviewed existing studies on AD outcome measurement in Korean medicine. Method : We searched for reviews on measurements of AD or studies which used an AD outcome measurement at the Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal from 1995 to June, 2008. And then we reviewed the pattern identification in AD patients and the outcome measurements for AD in each study. Results : 1. Among 25 studies, the most common measurement for AD was SCORAD(the severity SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis index), there were 16 studies. There was one study which used the Jakob T scoring system, one study which used ADSI(the Atopic Dermatitis Severity Index), and there were 7 studies which established or used a new severity scoring system for AD. 2. In Korean medicine, AD caused by Damp-Heat is accompanied by erythema, papulation, oozing and crust, Damp-Heat accompanied by Spleen-Gi deficiency is frequently found in pediatric patients, and in adults who have indigestion. Symptoms of AD caused by blood deficiency and Wind-Dryness include lichenification, dryness, scale and pigmentation. AD caused by toxic Heat in the blood system has symptoms similar to some Damp-Heat pattern along with symptoms of blood deficiency and Wind-Dryness. Conclusion : We need to establish a new severity scoring system which reflects pattern identifications and treatments with Korean medicine, and we should assess the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of the new scoring system.