Dupilumab and prurigo nodularis-like phenotype in atopic dermatitis: our experience of efficacy

J Dermatolog Treat. 2021 Jun;32(4):453-454. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2019.1659479. Epub 2019 Sep 2.

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic multifactorial dermatosis that can occur through different clinical phenotypes although all exhibit identical pathogenetic mechanisms such as the prurigo nodularis (PN)-like phenotype.

Case report: Here, we described 11 patients with PN-like AD treated with dupilumab, a human monoclonal IgG4 antibody that inhibits interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). Efficacy outcomes were performed at baseline, at first and fourth month after starting treatment. We collected different scores such as NRSi as well as IGA. At the same time, patient subjective benefits were analyzed through DLQI, POEM, and HADS scores. Quality of sleep was also recorded by NRSS. All patients showed rapid clinical improvement of cutaneous lesions and no other new lesions were reported during treatment. Reduction of daily itching was referred already after the first month of treatment.

Conclusion: These results show the effectiveness of dupilumab in this clinical setting of AD, supporting this treatment as a valid therapeutic approach in difficult-to-treat-PN-like clinical presentation of AD.

Keywords: Prurigo nodularis; atopic dermatitis; dupilumab.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-13 / immunology
  • Interleukin-4 / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenotype
  • Prurigo / drug therapy*
  • Pruritus / drug therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sleep / drug effects
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • IL4 protein, human
  • Interleukin-13
  • Interleukin-4
  • dupilumab