Dupilumab Improves Clinical Scores in Children and Adolescents With Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Real-World, Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab has proven safe and effective in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD) in clinical trials. However, comprehensive real-world studies in the pediatric AD population are still needed.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the long-term treatment responses and adverse events of dupilumab-treated children and adolescents with AD during dermatology follow-up assessments.

METHODS

We reviewed electronic medical records from March 2017 to September 2021 of moderate to severe AD patients starting dupilumab at less than age 18 years. Demographics, AD scores (body surface area [BSA], Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI], and Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA]) as well as safety data were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 89 patients, 50 females (56.2%) and 39 males (43.8%), were included. Mean ± SD treatment duration was 1.3 ± 0.9 years. Of these, 73 had score assessments at baseline and weeks 12 to 24. Mean ± SD improvements in BSA, EASI, and IGA were 63.1% ± 29.2%, 39.6% ± 29.9%, and 59.6% ± 30.7%, respectively. All patients (n = 23) who received dupilumab for 1 year or more achieved 75% improvement in EASI and IGA 0/1, and 60.8% achieved 90% improvement in EASI. Positive history of atopy was associated with greater percent improvement in BSA at weeks 12 to 24 (P < .05). Twelve patients had adverse events (13.5%), of which conjunctivitis (5.6%) and joint pain (2.2%) were most common. There were no serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Dupilumab was well-tolerated and effective in treating pediatric and adolescent AD regardless of age, sex, race, or ethnicity.