The Open Allergy Journal

2012, 5 : 62-64
Published online 2012 October 19. DOI: 10.2174/1874838401205010062
Publisher ID: TOALLJ-5-62

The Danish Atopy Database (DAD): Rationale and Methods

Simon Francis Thomsen , Jakob Mutanu Jungersted , Maja-Lisa Clausen and Tove Agner
Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.

ABSTRACT

Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial chronic disease that poses a great burden for patients and society. In recent decades the prevalence has increased substantially in many countries, notably in Western societies, and the causes for this increase are not completely understood. There are still many unanswered questions regarding atopic dermatitis with respect to aetiology, pathophysiology, co-morbidity as well as subgrouping and treatment of the disease. Establishment of the Danish Atopy Database (DAD), a cohort with ongoing inclusion of outpatients with atopic dermatitis from a tertiary referral centre, allows the study of these aspects of the disease. Herein we present our methodological considerations in regards to establishment of this cohort.

Keywords:

Atopic dermatitis, database, methodology.