The ProRaD study is intended to help improve our understanding of the mechanisms that influence the course of atopic dermatitis and accompanying allergic diseases.
About the study
Neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is as diverse in its manifestations as it is in its terminology. This is caused by an excessive reaction of the immune system. Atopic dermatitis tends to run in families, which suggests a genetic predisposition. The causes are not fully understood. Environmental factors and a change in lifestyle can promote the disease or worsen existing atopic dermatitis. Affected people suffer from recurring flare-ups, agonizing itching and dry, cracked skin. Those affected describe a massive restriction in their daily activities and leisure activities with an enormous impact on their quality of life. A significant proportion of patients, especially children, heal spontaneously or at least develop a mild form of the disease. In some children, however, the severe disease persists into adulthood and is accompanied by symptoms such as breathing difficulties (asthma or hay fever).What can we learn from the natural course of allergic diseases?
The ProRaD study is intended to help improve the understanding of mechanisms that influence the course of atopic dermatitis and accompanying allergic diseases. The knowledge gained can be used to develop new approaches for the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis and associated diseases. The ProRaD study is an observational study with the collection of biomaterials (blood, tissue and skin swabs) in order to answer the central questions.Who can take part?
We would like to welcome you to our study center and cordially invite you to participate in the ProRaD study. It doesn't matter whether you or your child suffer from atopic dermatitis or an associated disease such as asthma or hay fever. Even if you do not have allergies but would like to find out more about allergic diseases or would like to help us and people affected, we would be delighted to receive your support.General
Written consent is a prerequisite for participation in the observational study. If you are interested in participating in a study, you will first be given the patient information leaflet. Make a note of your questions, which will then be answered together with the study doctor in a detailed explanatory discussion about the purpose and course of the study. observational study. Participation in the study is voluntary. You can end your participation in the study at any time without any disadvantages. The observational study was reviewed and approved by an independent ethics committee. Personal data is handled with the utmost care in order to protect data privacy and confidentiality. Your data and samples are collected and stored in encrypted form and are only accessible to the study team.Study program
The observational study takes place once a year over an initial period of 5 years. The study visits take about two hours and will be explained to you during the information session. In the Swiss centers, after the first appointment On a voluntary basis, up to two further appointments after two and four weeks. We also offer you the opportunity to present yourself once a year at one of the study centers. We want to gain a comprehensive picture of your state of health with the following examinations:- Questioning about your state of health, illnesses in your family, your lifestyle (personal hygiene, diet), the course of your neurodermatitis including treatment, allergies and other intolerances
- Assessment of the severity of atopic dermatitis and associated diseases
- Physical examination with measurement of blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height and weight
- Optional: collection of blood samples, skin swabs and tissue samples (biomaterials)