Is dupilumab effective in adult-onset atopic dermatitis: Real-life experience of 16 patients.

Abstract

Dupilumab is approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, there are few studies demonstrating its efficacy and safety, particularly in the treatment of adult-onset AD. The aim of this study is to evaluate the real-life experience regarding the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of adult-onset AD. This study is a case series in retrospective design. Patients with the diagnosis of adult-onset AD, using dupilumab at a standard dose for at least 3months, were included in the study. Demographic and laboratory data of the cases, data regarding to dupilumab treatment, were recorded. The eczema area severity index (EASI) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for itch were used to evaluate treatment efficacy. A total of 16 patients, 6 female and 10male, were included. The median age was 41years, the median age of the disease onset was 37.5years, and the median duration of the disease was 90months. The median duration of the dupilumab treatment was 10.5months. The mean percent reduction from baseline in EASI score was 85.8±12.2 at 3months, 90.7±9.3 at 6months, and 93.1±5 at 12months. The mean percent reduction from baseline in VAS itch score was 82.2±8.6 at 3months. Acute vestibular neuritis was developed in one patient during the dupilumab therapy and resolved with anti-inflammatory therapy. Dupilumab seems to be highly effective and safe in the treatment of adult-onset AD. The present study is important as it is the first study to evaluate this patient group specifically.