|
An update on the activities of the European Dermato-epidemiology network (EDEN)
The European Dermato-epidemiology network (EDEN) is an active group of researchers in the field of dermato-epidemiology. The aims of the group are to expand the role of epidemiology in dermatology, to share expertise and to produce high quality multi-centre collaborative work.
EDEN is involved in the dissemination of information, teaching, training and organising working groups to address important research questions about the distribution, causes and treatment of skin disease. EDEN holds triennial congresses, the most recent being in Venice in October 2004. This meeting was held in conjunction with the International Dermatology Association, an umbrella organisation that includes other dermato-epidemiology groups worldwide. This meeting was the forum for presentation of new research from worldwide centres involved in dermato-epidemiology research. The group also co-ordinates annual workshops; in 2005 the title of the workshop was “Sunscreens, photo-protection and public health”. This was a two day workshop of active discussion and debate with invited world leaders in the field addressing the controversies and research agenda needed in this field. Future workshops are being planned to focus on Conflict of Interest, skin cancer and other “hot topics” in dermato-epidemiology.
2005 was also the inaugural joining together of EDEN and the European Society of Dermatology Research (ESDR). This successful collaboration involved epidemiology plenary sessions and a scientific symposium being held alongside the ESDR main meeting. EDEN will maintain an active alliance with the ESDR annual meetings.
The EDEN group has recently published a systematic review of interventions for hand eczema.1 This review is in the final stages of preparation for publication as a Cochrane systematic review. A further major piece of work was the compilation of a database of randomised controlled trials of interventions for psoriasis which is currently being updated.2 The group are also actively involved in recording randomised controlled trials in atopic eczema. All of these databases are being actively maintained with a view to the establishment of a world collection of literature in this fields which will be regularly updated and accessible on the EDEN website for future research.
A new research project is being developed to look at the prevalence of common skin diseases and fragrance allergy in Europe. There is also a strong focus on the development of trans-cultural instruments for use in future studies with closer links across European countries.
EDEN members are delighted to work with “Dermatology” in developing a section dedicated to epidemiology, health services research and evidence-based practice.
References: - Van Coevorden AM, Coenraads PJ, Svensson A, Bavinck JN, Diepgen TL, Naldi L, Elsner P, Williams HC; European Dermato-Epidemiology Network (Eden). Overview of studies of treatments for hand eczema-the EDEN hand eczema survey. Br J Dermatol. 2004 Aug;151(2):446-51. Review
- Naldi L, Svensson A, Diepgen T, Elsner P, Grob JJ, Coenraads PJ, Bavinck JN, Williams H; European Dermato-Epidemiology Network. Randomized clinical trials for psoriasis 1977-2000: the EDEN survey. J Invest Dermatol. 2003 May;120(5):738-41
|
