A Community-based Assessment of Skin Care, Allergies, and Eczema (CASCADE): An atopic dermatitis primary prevention study using emollients - Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Brian Eichner, Le Ann C. Michaels, Kelsey Branca, Katrina Ramsey, Julie Mitchell, Cynthia D. Morris, Lyle J. Fagnan, Rowena J. Dolor, Nancy Elder, David L. Hahn, Donald E. Nease, Jodi Lapidus, Ricardo Cibotti, Julie Block, Eric L. Simpson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic skin disorder often beginning in infancy. Skin barrier dysfunction early in life serves as a central event in the pathogenesis of AD. In infants at high risk of developing AD, preventative application of lipid-rich emollients may reduce the risk of developing AD. This study aims to measure the effectiveness of this intervention in a population not selected for risk via a pragmatic, randomized, physician-blinded trial in the primary care setting. Methods: Infant-parent dyads are recruited from a primary care practice participating through one of four practice-based research networks in Oregon, Colorado, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. Eligible dyads are randomized to the intervention (daily use of lipid-rich emollient) or the control (no emollient) group (n = 625 infants in each) and are followed for 24 months. The primary outcome is the cumulative incidence of physician-diagnosed AD and secondary outcomes include caregiver-reported measures of AD and development of other atopic diseases. Data collection occurs via chart review and surveys, with no study visits required. Data will be analyzed utilizing intention-to-treat principles. Discussion: AD is a common skin condition in infants that affects quality of life and is associated with the development of other atopic diseases. If a safe intervention, such as application of lipid-rich emollients, in the general population effectively decreases AD prevalence, this could alter the guidance given by providers regarding routine skin care of infants. Because of the pragmatic design, we anticipate that this trial will yield generalizable results. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03409367. Registered on 11 February 2018.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number243
JournalTrials
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 4 2020

Keywords

  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Eczema
  • Emollient
  • Moisturizer
  • Practice-based research network
  • Pragmatic

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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