[Efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis].

Objective

To analyse the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods

The clinical data of moderate to severe AD patients who received dupilumab therapy in the Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from August 2020 to November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The efficacy was evaluated by Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), and Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) before treatment and 2, 4, 16 and 24 weeks after treatment. Adverse events that occurred during treatment were recorded. Repeated Measures ANOVA and Generalized Estimating Equations were used to compare changes in scores and changes in laboratory indices at different time points before and after treatment.

Results

The age of 259 patients was (35.4±25.9) years, the duration of AD was 4.00 (2.00, 9.00) years, and 64.1% (166 patients) were men patients. The scores of EASI, SCORAD, POEM, DLQI and NRS at 2, 4, 16 and 24 weeks after treatment with dupilumab were significantly lower than those before treatment (all P<0.001). The proportions of EASI50, EASI75, and EASI90 were 91.0% (101/111), 71.2% (79/111), and 40.5% (45/111) at 16 weeks, and 95.0% (76/80), 80.0% (64/80) and 45.0% (36/80) at 24 weeks, respectively. Basal total IgE levels (P=0.005) and EOS counts (P<0.001) at Week 24 were significantly lower than those before treatment. Adverse events occurred in 54 patients (20.9%), mainly manifested as intractable erythema of the face and neck (5.0%, 13 patients) and conjunctivitis (1.9%, 5 patients).

Conclusions

Dupilumab can effectively improve the rash area, rash severity and itchiness of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, improve the quality of life of patients, and reduce the incidence of adverse effects.