Long-term effect of methotrexate for childhood atopic dermatitis

The wide variety of methotrexate dosing regimens for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: a systematic review

Background:Methotrexate is an off-label therapy for atopic dermatitis. A lack of consensus on dosing regimens poses a risk of underdosing and ineffective treatment or overdosing and increased risk of side effects. This systematic review summarizes the available evidence on dosing regimens.Materials and methods:A literature search was conducted, screening all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and guidelines published up to 6 July 2023, in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases.Results:Five RCTs and 21 guidelines were included. RCTs compared methotrexate with other treatments rather than different methotrexate dosing regimens. The start and maintenance doses in RCTs varied between 7.5-15 mg/week and 14.5-25 mg/week, respectively. Despite varied dosing, all RCTs demonstrated efficacy in improving atopic dermatitis signs and symptoms. Guidelines exhibited substantial heterogeneity but predominantly proposed starting doses of 5-15 mg/week for adults and 10-15 mg/m2/week for children. Maintenance doses suggested were 7.5-25 mg/week for adults and 0.2-0.7 mg/kg/week for children. One guideline suggested a test dose and nearly half advised folic acid supplementation.Conclusion:This systematic review highlights the lack of methotrexate dosing guidelines for atopic dermatitis. It identifies commonly recommended and utilized dosing regimens, serving as a valuable resource for clinicians prescribing methotrexate off-label and providing input for an upcoming consensus study.

How can we optimize the use of methotrexate to treat pediatric patients with inflammatory skin diseases?

INTRODUCTION

Methotrexate (MTX) is a folic acid antagonist used in clinical practice in oncology and rheumatology, as well as in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions in children. The low-doses of MTX are commonly used in children for the treatment of many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including inflammatory skin diseases, due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses the possibilities for optimizing the use of methotrexate in the treatment of pediatric patients with inflammatory skin diseases. A thorough search through PubMed and Embase databases was performed to identify relevant literature.

EXPERT OPINION

Clinical observations confirm the high efficacy and safety of low-dose MTX in children with inflammatory skin diseases. Unfortunately, to date there are few studies providing guidelines on the optimal dosage of MTX in children with inflammatory skin diseases; routes of administration; principles of monitoring; and the safety of long-term use of this medication in children. There is still a need for specific recommendations on the safest and most effective dosing and monitoring regimen for children treated with methotrexate for inflammatory skin diseases.

Methotrexate therapy for adult and paediatric moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis of data from daily practice

Of the 15 eligible studies identified via electronic searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL in November 2022 for methotrexate therapy of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, 12 were non-randomized controlled trial (non-RCT) studies with data from 437 patients (235 adults and 202 children). The response rates for short-term therapy were 77% [95% CI 55-99] (four studies; adults) - comparable to 81% [54-100] of RCTs (two studies; adults) (p = 0.63) - and 61% [43-79] (two studies; children), and for medium/long-term therapy were 88.9% [74.3-100.0] (four studies; adults) and 77.7% [61.5-94.0] (three studies; children). Children had a markedly lower rate of treatment discontinuation due to side effects [2.0% (five studies; children) vs. 14.9% (six studies; adults)], but were more likely to experience gastrointestinal disorders {relative risk (RR) 2.0 [1.44-2.71]}, fatigue (RR 2.3 [1.35-3.72]), headache (RR 2.8 [1.23-5.61]), and infections (RR 2.9 [2.18-3.58]). Other adverse events (children vs. adults) included hepatic disorders (32/176 vs. 35/305) and blood and lymphatic system/bone marrow disorders (25/148 vs. 19/184). Four serious adverse events were reported (children). Evidence from daily practice was limited by bias in the selection of participants in the study.

Methotrexate for inflammatory skin disease in pediatric patients: Consensus treatment guidelines

Methotrexate (MTX) is a readily accessible drug, first used in 1948 and employed for a wide variety of indications since then. However, despite widespread off-label use, FDA labeling does not include approved indications for the use of MTX for many inflammatory skin diseases in pediatric patients, including morphea, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata, among others. Without published treatment guidelines, some clinicians may be hesitant to use MTX off-label, or uncomfortable prescribing MTX in this population. To address this unmet need, an expert consensus committee was convened to develop evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for use of MTX to treat pediatric inflammatory skin disease. Clinicians with experience and expertise in clinical research, drug development, and treating inflammatory skin disease in pediatric patients with MTX were recruited. Five committees were created based on major topic areas: (1) indications and contraindications, (2) dosing, (3) interactions with immunizations and medications, (4) adverse effects (potential for and management of), and (5) monitoring needs. Pertinent questions were generated and addressed by the relevant committee. The entire group participated in a modified Delphi process to establish agreement on recommendations for each question. The committee developed 46 evidence- and consensus-based recommendations, each with >70% agreement among members, across all five topics. These are presented in tables and text, along with a discussion of supporting literature, and level of evidence. These evidence- and consensus-based recommendations will support safe and effective use of MTX for the underserved population of pediatric patients who may benefit from this valuable, time-honored medication.

On which evidence can we rely when prescribing off-label methotrexate in dermatological practice? - a systematic review with GRADE approach

If an authorized drug is prescribed for a use that is not described in the Summary of Product Characteristics, this is defined as 'off-label use.' Methotrexate is often used off-label for dermatological indications. Off-label use is permitted if physicians can justify the treatment based on scientific evidence available to them. Our objective here was therefore to summarize the evidence for the effectiveness, efficacy, and safety of the dermatological off-label use of methotrexate in a systematic review. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for studies for evidence on the effectiveness, efficacy, and safety of the off-label use of methotrexate in dermatological indications up to November 2019. We used the GRADE system to rate the quality of the evidence. The search retrieved 34,583 hits of which 3566 were selected after the title and abstract screening. After the full-text screening, 143 studies were included, which involved 3688 patients in total. We found low-quality evidence for the effectiveness, efficacy, and safety of the off-label use of methotrexate in 31 dermatological diseases. To optimize the quality of evidence to support off-label use, we need high-quality studies in which well-characterized patients are treated with standardized treatments regimens using well-validated outcomes relevant to patients and physicians.

Low-dose methotrexate in dermatology: the utility of serological monitoring in a real-world cohort

When prescribing low-dose methotrexate, frequent serological testing is recommended in the dermatologic literature, although much of the supporting data is extrapolated from non-dermatologic conditions. We performed a retrospective cohort study to determine the cumulative incidence and timing of low-dose methotrexate-associated serological abnormalities over the first year of therapy, in a pragmatic cohort of patients with dermatologic compared to non-dermatologic diagnoses. Laboratory values recorded included white blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelet count, estimated glomerular filtration rate, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Among 1376 patients, there were no cases of methotrexate-associated grade 4/very severe lab abnormality or fatality. Baseline risk factors associated with moderate-to-severe lab abnormalities included non-dermatologic diagnoses, low hemoglobin, low estimated glomerular filtration rate, and elevated transaminases. The incidence of moderate-to-severe lab abnormalities was 4.4% among all patients, 3.1% among patients with dermatologic diagnoses, and 2.3% among patients with normal baseline lab values. Lab abnormalities led to discontinuation of therapy in 0.8% of patients. Serious changes did not occur in the first two weeks of therapy. We conclude that the cumulative incidence of low-dose methotrexate-associated lab abnormality was lower in patients with dermatologic diagnoses or normal baseline testing and these factors may be used to adjust monitoring practices.

[Recommendations when switching therapy from immunosuppressive drugs to dupilumab in patients with atopic dermatitis]

Basierend auf neuen Erkenntnissen zur molekularen Pathogenese der atopischen Dermatitis, wurde neben Glukokortikoiden und Ciclosporin mit Dupilumab nun auch eine zielgerichtete antientzündliche Systemtherapie zugelassen. Wegen ihrer Pharmakologie sind weder Glukokortikoide und Ciclosporin noch die außerhalb der Zulassung angewendeten Substanzen Methotrexat, Azathioprin und Mycophenolsäurederivate für eine Langzeittherapie geeignet. Bei der Umstellung der Therapie von den genannten niedermolekularen Substanzen auf Dupilumab sollten verschiedene Faktoren berücksichtigt werden. Hierbei sind sowohl der konkrete Anlass der Umstellung (Unwirksamkeit, unerwünschte Wirkungen oder sich einstellende Kontraindikationen) als auch die pharmakologischen Gegebenheiten zu berücksichtigen. Da es hierzu bisher keine konkreten klinischen Untersuchungen gibt, haben die Autoren auf der Grundlage einer Literaturrecherche Handlungsempfehlungen für den praktischen Alltag erarbeitet.

A phase 2, open-label study of single-dose dupilumab in children aged 6 months to <6 years with severe uncontrolled atopic dermatitis: pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy

BACKGROUND

Dupilumab has demonstrated efficacy and acceptable safety in adults and children (aged 6-17 years) with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), but effective systemic therapy with a favorable risk-benefit profile in younger children remains a significant unmet need.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of single-dose dupilumab in children with severe AD aged ≥6 months to <6 years.

METHODS

This open-label, multicenter, phase 2, sequential, two-age cohort, two-dose level study (LIBERTY AD PRE-SCHOOL; NCT03346434) included an initial cohort of older children aged ≥2 to <6 years, followed by a younger cohort aged ≥6 months to <2 years. Pharmacokinetic sampling, safety monitoring and efficacy assessments were performed during the 4-week period after a single subcutaneous injection of dupilumab, in two sequential dosing groups (3 mg/kg, then 6 mg/kg). The use of standardized, low-to-medium potency topical corticosteroids was allowed.

RESULTS

Forty patients were enrolled (20/age cohort, 10/dose level within a cohort) between December 20, 2017 and July 22, 2019. Within each age cohort, pharmacokinetic exposures after a single injection of dupilumab increased in a greater than dose-proportional manner. At week 3, treatment with 3 and 6 mg/kg dupilumab reduced scores of mean Eczema Area and Severity Index by -44.6% and -49.7% (older cohort) and -42.7% and -38.8% (younger cohort), and mean Peak Pruritus NRS scores by -22.9% and -44.7% (older cohort) and -11.1% and -18.2% (younger cohort), respectively. At week 4, improvements in most efficacy outcomes diminished in both age groups, particularly with the lower dose. The safety profile was comparable to that seen in adults, adolescents and children.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-dose dupilumab was generally well tolerated and substantially reduced clinical signs/symptoms of AD. Slightly better responses were seen in older than younger children. The pharmacokinetics of dupilumab were non-linear, consistent with previous studies in adults and adolescents.

Atopic dermatitis in schoolchildren and adolescents: a critical review of Italian epidemiological data and systemic treatments

INTRODUCTION

The epidemiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is largely different in pre-school and schoolchildren. We summarized the available epidemiological data on schoolchildren (6-11 years) and adolescents (12-17 years) in Italy and reviewed information on systemic treatments for moderate-to-severe AD in adolescents.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

In January 2019, we searched for data on prevalence and/or incidence of AD and on the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of systemic AD therapies. Papers were evaluated and selected, and relevant information was extracted. Twenty papers from 17 studies reported original epidemiological information on AD in Italy.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Most studies were conducted before 2005. Though variations emerged between studies, the lifetime prevalence of AD was estimated between 15-17% in schoolchildren and between 8-13% in adolescents. The (12-months) period prevalence of AD was estimated between 8-10% in children and between 8-11% in adolescents. Up-to-date information on the prevalence of severe AD is not available. Cyclosporine A may be used in pediatric age patients (children and adolescents) with persistent or severe AD refractory to topical treatments, but its use has several limitations, and is not recommended in patients younger than 16 years. The treatment paradigm of AD is still far from being satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

We provided a quantitative synthesis of AD epidemiology in Italian schoolchildren and adolescents. Recent data are needed, as most information dates back to the 1990s or early 2000s, and data on the incidence of AD, the proportion of severe cases, and treatment of severe cases in the real-world setting are scanty.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Methotrexate in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Study of Korean Patients at Tertiary Referral Hospital

Background

Methotrexate (MTX) has been prescribed to suppress atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms and flares in moderate-to-severe cases.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of MTX as well as the suppressive activity of MTX to reduce flares in moderate-to-severe AD patients.

Methods

Patients with moderate-to-severe AD who were treated with MTX at the Chonnam National University Hospital were retrospectively studied.

Results

Total 102 patients (79 males, 23 females) with a median age of 22.0±10.3 years were studied. The median initial dose of MTX was 10.3±2.6 mg/week, and the MTX-weekly dose was increased by 2.5 to 5 mg at an interval of 2 to 4 weeks to a maximum dose of 17.5±2.7 mg/week. The median maintenance dose was 11.7±2.1 mg/week; the median duration of treatment with MTX was 34.0±38.8 weeks. The initial response was noted after 5.8±3.7 weeks. Of the 102 patients, 60.8% (62/102) showed successful treatment response and 39.2% (40/102) showed mild or no improvement. MTX therapy effectively suppressed the frequency of AD flares by more than 50% in 71.1% (32/45) of the patients who responded among the MTX responders group. The most common adverse events were transient liver abnormality (5.9%, 6/102) and gastrointestinal discomfort (3.9%, 4/102), but no serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

Our results reveal that MTX is a relatively safe drug to control moderate-to-severe AD with satisfactory therapeutic efficacy and inhibitory activity against AD flares.

Topical and Oral Therapies for Childhood Atopic Dermatitis and Plaque Psoriasis

Background: Treatment of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in children is difficult due to lack of standardized treatment guidelines and few FDA-approved treatment options. Treatments approved for adults may be used off-label in pediatric patients. Objective: This review evaluates the topical and oral treatment options available, including off-label uses, and provides a basic therapeutic guideline for pediatric atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Methods: A PubMed review of topical and systemic treatments for pediatric psoriasis and atopic dermatitis with information regarding age, efficacy, dosing, contra-indications, adverse events, and off-label treatments. Results: The search identified seven topical and five systemic treatments that are routinely employed to treat pediatric atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Limitations: Standardized guidelines regarding treatment choice, dosing, and long-term safety are scarce. Reviews may be subject to ascertainment bias. Conclusions: Current treatment guidelines are based on clinical experience and expert advice with few treatments officially approved for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in children.

Pathophysiology of Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis: Implications for Management in Children

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are chronic inflammatory skin diseases associated with a significant cutaneous and systemic burden of disease as well as a poor health-related quality of life. Here, we review the complex pathophysiology of both AD and psoriasis and discuss the implications for treatment with current state-of-the-art and emerging topical and systemic therapies. Both AD and psoriasis are caused by a complex combination of immune dysregulation, skin-barrier disruption, genetic factors, and environmental influences. Previous treatments for both diseases were limited to anti-inflammatory agents that broadly suppress inflammation. Emerging insights into relevant pathways, including recognition of the role of T-helper type 2 driven inflammation in AD and T-helper 1 and 17 driven inflammation in psoriasis, have led to a therapeutic revolution. There are a number of novel treatment options available for AD and psoriasis with many more currently under investigation.