Major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with atopic dermatitis treated with oral Janus kinase inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa; a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory skin disease affecting apocrine gland-bearing sites of the body. Radiofrequency (RF) is a minimally invasive method that acts by minimizing thermal damage to the dermis, resulting in collagen synthesis and scar improvement. We systematically reviewed the efficacy and safety of RF in treating HS.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed up to November 18th, 2023, in PubMed/Medline, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science. Clinical studies with English full texts were included. The National Institute of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tool for clinical trials and Methodological quality and synthesis of case series and case reports by Murad et al. were utilized for critical appraisal.

RESULTS

Out of 55 identified studies, 11 met our inclusion criteria with 167 subjects who underwent RF therapy alone or combined with an intense pulsed laser (IPL), known as LAight®. LAight® significantly improved clinical outcomes in mild-to-moderate HS patients based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Score System (IHS4), Pain-Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR). Moreover, RF therapy alone significantly alleviated the clinical manifestations in patients with mild-to-moderate HS. Additionally, fractional microneedling RF significantly decreased HS-associated inflammatory markers. RF was found to be safe with limited adverse events. However, in moderate-to-severe HS, RF has failed to yield satisfactory results.

CONCLUSION

RF is a safe energy-based method with promising outcomes, especially for long-term application in mild-to-moderate HS. In moderate-to-severe cases, RF should be combined with a systemic medication for further beneficial impacts.

Abrocitinib-associated adverse events: a real-world pharmacovigilance study using the FAERS database

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Janus kinase (JAK) modulates cytokines involved in AD pathophysiology, and JAK inhibitors have emerged as effective pharmacotherapeutic remedies for AD. Abrocitinib, an oral selective inhibitor of JAK1, is indicated for the management of moderate-to-severe AD. The current study evaluated the adverse events (AEs) associated with abrocitinib in a real-world setting.

METHODS

To quantify the signals of abrocitinib-associated AEs, we used the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) for this pharmacovigilance study with two established pharmacovigilance methods.

RESULTS

A total of 1071 AEs of abrocitinib were investigated as the primary suspected from the FAERS to detect and characterize relevant safety signals. The analysis revealed 85 signals for abrocitinib. The most common AE for abrocitinib was drug ineffective. The signal strength of eczema herpeticum was 515.87 (277.80-957.98) and 510.59 (5148.65) and exhibited the highest strength for abrocitinib. Rare AEs such as aggravated condition, pruritus, and hypersensitivity were not listed on the label, and attention to these AEs is required.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of the AE signals may provide support for clinical monitoring and risk identification of abrocitinib.

Comparison of Old and New Systemic Treatments for Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Historically, systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD) primarily consisted of immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids and Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDS), which provided symptomatic relief but often had long-term adverse effects. Newer treatments have shown significant efficacy with less side effects in clinical trials. This review discusses and compares conventional and newer systemic treatments for AD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Newer medications for AD including dupilumab, tralokinumab, lebrikizumab, and oral JAK inhibitors have been shown to be safe and efficacious. High dose cyclosporine and dupilumab were more effective than methotrexate and azathioprine in improving clinical signs of AD. High-dose upadacitinib was shown in another meta-analysis to be most effective in the measured outcomes but had the highest frequency of adverse events. Targeted biologic treatments are increasingly favored over traditional immunosuppressive treatments of AD. Treatment can be individualized based on potency, adverse side effects, mechanism of action, and administration preference. Ongoing research continues to expand treatment options for AD.

Management of Patients Affected by Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis with JAK Inhibitors in Real-World Clinical Practice: An Italian Delphi Consensus

INTRODUCTION

Several systemic therapies have been approved for the treatment of severe AD. In particular, Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), including abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib, recently received approval for the treatment of patients with severe AD after being evaluated in several clinical trials. However, a few concerns have been raised regarding their long-term safety and the management of these drugs in real-world clinical practice. In this article we described the results of a Delphi consensus aimed at describing the knowledge on JAKi and focusing, in particular, on providing clinical recommendations for dermatologists in daily practice regarding the use of these drugs.

METHODS

Twelve Italian dermatologists reviewed the most recent literature regarding the efficacy and safety profiles of JAKi and proposed 24 statements.

RESULTS

Agreement was reached for statements focusing on three main topics: (1) place in therapy of JAKi in patients with moderate-to-severe AD; (2) effectiveness and safety of JAK inhibitors in different phenotypes; (3) different approaches to the management of patients treated with JAKi in clinical practice. The panel proposed several recommendations regarding all the statements.

CONCLUSION

Given the wide use of JAKi in clinical practice, it is crucial to establish a specific follow-up for each patient's phenotype in order to achieve the best possible clinical outcome and minimize potential adverse events.

Navigating the atopic dermatitis toolbox: Challenging scenarios and shared decision-making

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a complex pathogenesis and heterogeneous clinical presentation. Recently, multiple advanced therapies were approved for the treatment of moderate-severe AD, including the biologics dupilumab, tralokinumab, and lebrikizumab and oral Janus kinase inhibitors abrocitinib, upadacitinib, and baricitinib. These treatments have different efficacy, safety, and tolerability profiles and monitoring requirements. The availability of multiple recently approved therapies poses a clinical challenge for health care providers and patients on how to select the best treatment for patients. This article aims to highlight clinical considerations and patient perspectives to guide shared decision-making for biologic and oral systemic therapy, particularly Janus kinase inhibitors, in AD. Important aspects to consider include treatment goals, medical history, symptom severity, physician assessments, safety profile of drugs, and the risk predispositions in patients.

Janus kinase inhibitors in atopic dermatitis: an umbrella review of meta-analyses

Background

Clinicians and healthcare policymakers have been drenched with a deluge of overlapping meta-analyses (MAs), and the necessity for comprehensive and clearly defined evidence of Janus kinase inhibitors (JKIs) in atopic dermatitis (AD) is urgent.

Methods

Six databases were searched for MAs published until October 2023. Qualitative description of MAs was mainly used, and Investigator's Global Assessment response (IGA response), the 75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (the EASI75), peak pruritus Numerical rating score (PP-NRS), and adverse effects were cited to describe the efficacy and safety of JKIs. The methodological quality of the included MAs was assessed by A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews II (AMSTAR II), and the quality of evidence was evaluated by the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE).

Results

Sixteen MAs were pooled in this review, of which five studies appraised JKIs, five appraised systemic JKIs, five papers assessed abrocitinib only, and one assessed baricitinib. Two studies were of "high" methodological quality and 14 MAs were of "moderate" quality. Eleven MAs integrated the results of JKIs and reported that JKIs provide faster onset of IGA response (RR=2.83, 95% CI [2.25, 3.56], high-quality evidence). Similarly, 10 MAs showed that JAK inhibitors were more effective in improving the EASI75 (RR=2.84, 95% CI [2.2, 3.67], high-quality evidence). Results from 12 MAs showed JKIs were active in reducing the PP-NRS (SMD=-0.49, 95% CI [-0.67, -0.32]). All MAs affirmed JKIs added no adverse effects leading to discontinuation and serious adverse events (P<0.05). However, 200mg of abrocitinib had a higher risk of acne (RR=4.34, 95% CI [1.61, 11.71), herpes zoster (RR=1.64, 95% CI [0.42, 6.39]), headache (RR=1.76, 95% CI [1.03, 3]), and nausea (RR=7.81, 95% CI [3.84, 15.87]). Upadacitinib was known to increase acne (RR=6.23, 95% CI [4.08, 9.49]), nasopharyngitis (RR=1.36, 95% CI [1.03, 1.8]) and blood creatine phosphokinase (blood CPK) (RR=2.41, 95% CI [1.47, 3.95]). Baricitinib at 2mg was associated with increased blood CPK (RR=2.25, 95% CI [1.1, 2.97]).

Conclusion

Compared to placebo or dupilumab, the administration of JKIs can ameliorate IGA response more effectively, improve the EASI75, and relieve pruritus without severe adverse effect, while accompanied by more acne, nasopharyngitis, headache, and digestive disturbances. The curative effect of 200 mg of abrocitinib is significant and more caution should be given in patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction, herpes zoster, and those who are acne-prone. Baricitinib and upadacitinib should be avoided in populations at high risk for cardiovascular events.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=369369, PROSPERO (CRD42022369369).

Nonsteroidal Approaches for Atopic Dermatitis: A Clinical Update

Topical corticosteroids (TCSs) are the most widely used treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD), but they can have adverse effects such as skin atrophy, telangiectasias, and hypopigmentation, especially with prolonged use of higher potency steroids. Many patients also have a fear of using TCSs, known as "corticophobia." With the development of biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors, a nonsteroidal approach to the treatment of AD may be possible and may be preferred by certain patients. Given what is known about these nonsteroidal therapies, we propose a structured treatment ladder and action plan that can guide clinicians and patients on the use of these therapies for the treatment of AD. The ladder divides nonsteroidal medication classes into treatments for exacerbation versus maintenance therapies in an escalating order of increasing potential for adverse effects, both real and perceived. This treatment algorithm proposal paves the way for a potential nonsteroidal approach to managing AD.

Evaluating the safety and efficacy of baricitinib for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

New biologic and small molecule therapeutics have emerged for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), including oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors such as baricitinib. While JAK inhibitors are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, these agents are relatively new in the field of dermatology.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we outline the efficacy and safety data of phase III randomized controlled trials investigating the use of baricitinib for moderate-to-severe AD. A literature search was performed using PubMed.gov to identify articles relevant to the topic published before August 2023.

EXPERT OPINION

Oral JAK inhibitors in AD management are highly efficacious, whether used alone, in conjunction with topical corticosteroids, or in patients who have failed other conventional systemic medications for AD. JAK inhibitors appear to be well tolerated in the AD patient population with fewer major safety risks than what has been seen in other patient populations. Assessing patient risk factors for cardiovascular, thromboembolic, and oncologic diseases is now an important part of the office visit for patients in whom you may consider using a JAK inhibitor.

Micro- and Macrovascular Effects of Inflammation in Peripheral Artery Disease-Pathophysiology and Translational Therapeutic Approaches

Inflammation has a critical role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. On the molecular level, inflammatory pathways negatively impact endothelial barrier properties and thus, tissue homeostasis. Conformational changes and destruction of the glycocalyx further promote pro-inflammatory pathways also contributing to pro-coagulability and a prothrombotic state. In addition, changes in the extracellular matrix composition lead to (peri-)vascular remodelling and alterations of the vessel wall, e.g., aneurysm formation. Moreover, progressive fibrosis leads to reduced tissue perfusion due to loss of functional capillaries. The present review aims at discussing the molecular and clinical effects of inflammatory processes on the micro- and macrovasculature with a focus on peripheral artery disease.