So How Do I Define Atopic Eczema?

A Practical manual for researchers wishing to define atopic eczema

Produced by Prof. Hywel C. Williams, with help from Dr Carsten Flohr.

CONTENTS:

Foreword

1. Background to developing diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema
   1. The need for diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema
   2. Previous approaches at defining atopic eczema
   3. The UK diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema
2. How do I use the UK criteria for atopic eczema in my study?
   1. The concept of using different versions of the same criteria
   2. What version of the diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema is best for my study?
3. Training observers in questionnaires and examination
   1. Notes to accompany questionnaire
   2. The sign of visible flexural dermatitis (contains 48 training photographs).
4. How do I know that my field workers are recording the right thing?
   1. Validity
   2. Repeatability
5. Some helpful suggestions for problem areas
   1. Effects of misclassification under different conditions of disease prevalence
   2. Asymptomatic disease
   3. Adults and infants
   4. Applicability to other ethnic groups
   5. Use of the criteria in other communities
   6. Where do other variants of atopic eczema fit in?
   7. Dangers of suggesting a disease definition
   8. Will the criteria change again in five years?
   9. How you can help develop these criteria further

Acknowledgements

References

Appendices

1. The questionnaire used for atopic eczema in those aged up to 16
2. The questionnaire used for atopic eczema in those aged 16 and over
3. Worked example of positive predictive value of a diagnostic test.
4. Observer's Protocol ... flexural dermatitis
5. Test Photographs