Evolution of dupilumab-associated conjunctivitis in patients with atopic dermatitis after switching dupilumab to tralokinumab or Janus kinase inhibitors (RESO-ADOC study).

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials and real-life data have reported an increased incidence of conjunctivitis in patients treated with dupilumab for their atopic dermatitis (AD). Although mostly mild in severity, in some cases conjunctivitis will appear or increase after dupilumab initiation, which can lead to dupilumab discontinuation.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To describe the characteristics of patients developing conjunctivitis requiring discontinuation of dupilumab; and (2) to analyse the factors associated with a complete conjunctivitis improvement after dupilumab discontinuation and a switch to tralokinumab or Janus kinase inhibitors.

METHODS

This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study that included all patients with AD treated with dupilumab who developed conjunctivitis leading to dupilumab discontinuation and switching to tralokinumab or Janus kinase inhibitors in daily practice. Data on patients, their AD and conjunctivitis were analysed at the inclusion visit (corresponding to discontinuation of dupilumab and the institution of new AD treatment), at visit 2 (3-6 months after inclusion) and at visit 3 (corresponding to the last medical visit).

RESULTS

After multivariate analysis, the only factors associated with a complete resolution of dupilumab-associated conjunctivitis at visit 2 and/or visit 3 were conjunctivitis duration (OR 8.98, 95% CI 1.47-55) (p = 0.018), personal history of asthma (OR 10.66, 95% CI 1.82-62.63) (p = 0.009) and switching from dupilumab to Janus kinase inhibitors (OR 17.11, 95% CI 2.94-99.66) (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Although uncommon, severe dupilumab-associated conjunctivitis is more frequent in daily life compared to its incidence in the dupilumab pivotal trials. In these cases, our study suggests that a rapid switch to another molecule, particularly a Janus kinase inhibitor, should be considered.