Atopic Dermatitis and Patient Perspectives: Insights of Bullying at School and Career Discrimination at Work

Effectiveness and Safety of Upadacitinib for Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis in a Real-World Setting

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The estimated prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) among adolescents (12-17 years of age) is about 14.8%. AD compromises sleep quality and may be associated with poor scholastic performance, mood disruptions, low self-esteem, and difficulty in building social relationships. Upadacitinib was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD in patients aged ≥ 12 years who are candidates for systemic treatment. The aim of this real-world study was to determine the effectiveness in disease control and safety of upadacitinib in adolescents aged 12-17 years with moderate-to-severe AD.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study in adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD treated with upadacitinib 15 mg between July 2022 and February 2024 at six Italian dermatological referral centres. The primary endpoint was to analyse the evolution of the response in terms of absolute Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) value, as well as the percentage of patients achieving 75% and 90% improvement in EASI (EASI75 and EASI90) from baseline to weeks (W) 4, 16, 24, and 52. Secondary endpoints included the assessment of treatment efficacy in terms of Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pruritus (P-NRS) and sleep (S-NRS), Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (c-DLQI), and safety.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients [males: 18 (50%)] were evaluated. A statistically significant improvement of EASI was observed at each timepoint, as stated by a mean percentage reduction from baseline of 72.2% at W4, 82.7% at W16, of 86.4% at W24 (n = 34) and of 92.7% at W52 (n = 18) (p < 0.0001). At W4, 21/36 (58.3%) achieved EASI75 and 12/36 (33.3%) EASI90. At W16, 29/36 (80.5%) achieved EASI75 and 19/36 (52.8%) EASI90. At W24, 32/34 (94.1%) reached EASI75 and 24/34 (70.6%) EASI90. Finally, at W52 all the assessed patients (n = 18) maintained EASI75 and 14/18 (77.7%) reached EASI90. Likewise, a statistically significant reduction of c-DLQI, P-NRS and S-NRS was observed at each timepoint.

CONCLUSION

Our real-world experience seems to confirm the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib for the long-term treatment of moderate-to-severe AD in adolescents.

Efficacy, Safety, and Long-Term Disease Control of Ruxolitinib Cream Among Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis: Pooled Results from Two Randomized Phase 3 Studies

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a highly pruritic, inflammatory skin disease, affects approximately 7% of adolescents globally. A topical formulation of ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) 1/JAK2 inhibitor, demonstrated safety and efficacy among adolescents/adults in two phase 3 studies (TRuE-AD1/TRuE-AD2).

OBJECTIVE

To describe safety and efficacy of 1.5% ruxolitinib cream versus vehicle and long-term disease control of ruxolitinib cream among adolescents aged 12-17 years from pooled phase 3 study data.

METHODS

Patients [≥ 12 years old with AD for ≥ 2 years, Investigator's Global Assessment score (IGA) 2/3, and 3-20% affected body surface area (BSA) at baseline] were randomized 2:2:1 to ruxolitinib cream (0.75%/1.5%) or vehicle for 8 weeks of continuous use followed by a long-term safety (LTS) period up to 52 weeks with as-needed use. Patients originally applying vehicle were rerandomized 1:1 to 0.75%/1.5% ruxolitinib cream. Efficacy measures at week 8 included IGA treatment success (IGA-TS; i.e., score of 0/1 with ≥ 2 grade improvement from baseline), ≥ 75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75), and ≥ 4-point improvement in itch numerical rating scale (NRS4). Measures of disease control during the LTS period included IGA score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) and percentage affected BSA. Safety was assessed throughout the study.

RESULTS

Of 1249 randomized patients, 245 (19.6%) were aged 12-17 years. Of these, 45 patients were randomized to vehicle and 92 patients to 1.5% ruxolitinib cream. A total of 104/137 (75.9%) patients continued on 1.5% ruxolitinib cream in the LTS period [82/92 (89.1%) continued on 1.5% ruxolitinib cream; 22/45 (48.9%) patients on vehicle were reassigned to 1.5% ruxolitinib cream], and 83/104 (79.8%) of these patients completed the LTS period. At week 8, substantially more patients who applied 1.5% ruxolitinib cream versus vehicle achieved IGA-TS (50.6% versus 14.0%), EASI-75 (60.9% versus 34.9%), and NRS4 (52.1% versus 17.4%; P = 0.009). The mean (SD) reduction in itch NRS scores was significantly greater in patients applying 1.5% ruxolitinib cream versus vehicle from day 2 [- 0.9 (1.9) versus -0.2 (1.4); P = 0.03]. During the LTS period, mean (SD) trough steady-state ruxolitinib plasma concentrations at weeks 12/52 were 27.2 (55.7)/15.5 (31.5) nM. The percentage of patients achieving IGA score of 0 or 1 was sustained or further increased with 1.5% ruxolitinib cream; mean affected BSA was generally low (< 3%; i.e., mild disease). Through 52 weeks, application site reactions occurred in 1.8% of adolescent patients applying 1.5% ruxolitinib cream at any time; no patients had serious adverse events. There were no serious infections, malignancies, major adverse cardiovascular events, or thromboembolic events.

CONCLUSIONS

Meaningful anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects were demonstrated with 1.5% ruxolitinib cream in the subset of adolescent patients with AD, comparable with those observed in the overall study population; long-term, as-needed use maintained disease control and was well tolerated.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT03745638 (registered 19 November 2018) and NCT03745651 (registered 19 November 2018).

Association Between Atopic Dermatitis and Aging: Clinical Observations and Underlying Mechanisms

As one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin diseases, atopic dermatitis (AD) increasingly affects the aging population. Amid the ongoing global aging trend, it's essential to recognize the intricate relationship between AD and aging. This paper reviews existing knowledge, summarizing clinical observations of associations between AD and aging-related diseases in various systems, including endocrine, cardiovascular, and neurological. Additionally, it discusses major theories explaining the correlation, encompassing skin-mucosal barriers, systemic inflammation and stress, genes, signal transduction, and environmental and behavioral factors. The association between AD and aging holds significant importance, both in population and basic perspectives. While further research is warranted, this paper aims to inspire deeper exploration of inflammation/allergy-aging dynamics and the timely management of elderly patients with AD.

Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Adult Women's Lives: A Survey of 1,009 French Women

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory diseases, and has a higher prevalence among females in adulthood. The aim of this observational, cross-sectional, survey-based study was to evaluate the impact of AD on the daily lives of adult women patients. A scientific committee composed exclusively of women constructed a specific questionnaire in partnership with the French Eczema Association. Severity of AD was evaluated with the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM). A sample of 1,009 adult women (mean age ± standard deviation: 41.8 ± 14.2 years) with AD was identified from a representative sample of the French population (82% response rate 1,230 women surveyed). According to the POEM, 50.64% (n = 511) of subjects were identified as having mild AD, 39.35% (n = 397) moderate AD, and 10.01% (n = 101) severe AD. Overall, 67.7% (n = 682) reported that their eczema involved a visible area (face, neck or hands), and 19.6% (n = 198) a sensual area (breasts/chest, genital area or buttocks). Of the 720 women with menstrual cycles, exacerbations of AD were reported to occur mostly before (50.6%) and during (48.3%) menstruation. A small proportion of women, 7.3% (n = 74), reported being afraid of  becoming pregnant because of their eczema. If AD involvement was in a visible area it had a greater impact on romantic relationships, sexual relationships and occupation. If AD involvement was in a sensual area it had a greater influence on romantic relationships and sexuality. Particular attention should be given to patients with localization of AD on the face, neck or hands, as they have a higher risk of social exclusion. Moreover, these results should encourage health professionals to ask patients with AD about the possible involvement of sensual areas.

Bullying in persons with skin diseases

BACKGROUND

There are few studies on bullying in skin diseases. Persons with skin diseases are especially prone to bullying.

OBJECTIVES

This component of the project 'Bullying among Dermatologic Patients' aimed to study the prevalence and nature of bullying in patients with skin diseases from different countries and age groups.

METHODS

Data were collected from participants of international social media groups for patients with skin diseases, in-patients and out-patients with skin diseases, and parents of children with skin diseases from six European countries. School and university students from Poland and Ukraine were asked to answer the question: Have you been bullied because of skin problems?

RESULTS

Bullying was reported in 1016 patients with 36 different skin diseases. Prevalence of self-reported and parental-reported bullying was quite heterogeneous among different countries In total, self-reported bullying was noted by 25.6% of patients with skin diseases during face-to-face consultations, by 63.7% of respondents from international patients' groups and by 12.2% of school and university students. Parental-reported bullying was detected in 34.5% of 3-4 years old children with skin diseases. The peak of bullying prevalence occurred between the ages of 13 and 15. The most prevalent forms of bullying were verbal abuse and social isolation. Physical abuse was the least often reported form of bullying. Only 33.2% of participants talked to anyone about being bullied. Negative long-term effects of bullying were reported by 63% of respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

Skin disease-related bullying was reported by patients in all centres of the project. The main manifestations of bullying were similar in different countries and among patients with different skin diseases. International activities aimed to decrease or prevent skin disease-related bullying in different age groups are needed. These activities should be multidirectional and target teachers, parents of classmates and classmates of children with skin diseases, patients' parents and patients themselves.

Which Factors Are Associated with Persistence of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients Affected by Atopic Dermatitis despite 2-Year Treatment with Dupilumab?

Background: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin disease whose course is often complicated by the presence of concomitant anxiety and depressive disorders. Dupilumab has been demonstrated to be largely effective in AD. The aims of the present study were to (1) to verify the effectiveness of 2-year dupilumab treatment on the depressive and anxiety symptoms of patients affected by AD and (2) to identify predictors of the persistence of psychiatric symptoms despite maintenance treatment with dupilumab. Methods: A total of 331 patients with severe AD were assessed at baseline and at different times over 2 years by a large set of rating scales, including the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Paired sample t-tests were performed to verify the effectiveness of dupilumab on the severity of AD and mental health items. Two binary logistic regression models were then used to identify the predictors of the persistence of clinically significant depression and anxiety, defined by a score ≥ 8 on each sub-scale of the HADS. Results: After 2 years of treatment with dupilumab, the patients benefited, showing a significant improvement in both the dermatological disease and comorbid depression/anxiety (p < 0.001 for all scales). Overall, 17.5% and 13% of patients, respectively, reported residual depressive and anxiety symptoms after the 2-year treatment with dupilumab. The baseline predictors of the persistence of clinically significant depressive symptoms after the 2-year treatment with dupilumab were found to be a higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.012), a lower impact of dermatological disease on quality of life (p = 0.015), and more severe depressive symptoms (p < 0.01), while for anxiety, the only predictor was found to be female gender (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Using a multidisciplinary approach, at baseline, dermatologists should more closely monitor patients who are at a greater risk of maintaining residual psychiatric symptoms despite therapy, such as those with more severe depressive symptoms and those who are overweight.

Development of a Patient Journey Map for Improving Patient Experience and Quality of Atopic Dermatitis Care

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects both children and adults. AD increases the risk of developing comorbidities like asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergies. AD patients face difficulties, including itching, lack of effective treatments, lack of funding and discomfort in seeking a diagnosis or treatment. This study aims to identify the main barriers and opportunities to improve the experience of patients with AD and provide high-quality care.

METHODS

Patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals were recruited from the Dermatology Department at Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital (Madrid, Spain). Interviews with patients, caregivers and professionals were performed. Participants used storyboards to depict their preferred scenarios for improving healthcare interactions and create a Patient Journey Map.

RESULTS

A total of 15 participants were included in the study. Early symptoms of AD were commonly described as undefined stages. As symptoms worsened, patients and caregivers expressed uncertainty and frustration. Patients became concerned about AD after their first serious flare and started experiencing intense itching, eczema, wounds, shedding or asthma. Topical corticosteroids were used to manage flares, but their effectiveness diminished over time, causing further frustration. Because of the ineffectiveness of their initial treatments, dermatologists observed that patients tended to downplay symptoms and how they affected their quality of life. The specialized treatment of severe AD significantly changed patients' emotional states. Despite AD's chronic nature, patients strived to enjoy remission periods and cope with flares. Psychological and emotional support was crucial for patients and caregivers, a need addressed by the Patients' School initiative at HUPHM hospital.

CONCLUSION

The severity of AD has a profound impact on patients' lives. Patient and caregiver emotional and social needs can be met by adequate communication, access to effective treatments and comprehensive psychological support.

Burden of Disease in the Real-Life Setting of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: Italian Data From the MEASURE-AD Study

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that negatively impacts the quality of life and work productivity of patients.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate the real-world burden of AD patients in Italy.

METHODS

This sub-analysis of the MEASURE-AD multicountry study conducted between December 2019-2020 included patients diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD eligible for or receiving systemic therapy in the previous 6 months. During a single visit, physician and patient-reported questionnaires were used.

RESULTS

A total of 118 adult patients were enrolled and 57.6% (N = 68) of patients had moderate-to-severe AD at the time of enrolment according to the Eczema Area and Severity Index. Sleep disorders interfered with daily function in the previous week in 58.5% (N = 69) of patients, pruritus was severe in 50% (N = 59) and 42.4% (N = 50) reported a flare lasting >7 days in the previous 6 months. According to the Dermatology Quality of Life Index, 37.3% (N = 44) of patients reported a severe impact of AD and approximately 10% had clinical depression/anxiety. Current drug therapy was considered inadequate in controlling AD in 26.3% (N=31) of patients. Work activity impairment was 38.6±31.7% and monthly AD-related expenses were 148.6±134.6 Euros per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

This real-life study documents a high burden of disease in patients with moderate-severe AD in Italy.

Itch, sleep loss, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and productivity loss in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Analyses of TREATgermany registry data

BACKGROUND

TREATgermany is a multicenter registry including patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) from currently 74 study centers (university clinics, hospitals and practices) in Germany. As of August 31, 2021, 1,230 adult patients were enrolled.

METHODS

In TREATgermany, patients and physicians fill in questionnaires pertaining to symptoms, disease severity, quality of life, depressiveness, and fatigue. In particular, limitations in work performance are assessed using the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ). To assess associations between occupational performance/work limitations and symptoms, correlations and regression models were calculated.

RESULTS

The examined sample of 228 employed patients reported an average of 6% at-work productivity loss within the past two weeks prior to enrolment in the registry. The WLQ productivity loss score was moderately associated with itch (r = 0.32) and sleep loss (r = 0.39) and strongly associated with depressive symptoms (r = 0.68) and fatigue (r = 0.60).

CONCLUSIONS

The analyses of the registry data show that moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis has a negative impact on the work productivity of the patients. The analyses further point out the relevant associations between work productivity, depressive symptoms, and fatigue highlighting the disease burden caused by the psychological components of AD.

Juckreiz, Schlafstörungen, depressive Symptome, Fatigue und Einschränkungen der Arbeitsproduktivität bei Patienten mit moderater bis schwerer atopischer Dermatitis: Daten aus dem TREATgermany-Register

Hintergrund

TREATgermany ist ein multizentrisches Register, das Patienten mit moderater bis schwerer atopischer Dermatitis (AD) aus derzeit 74 Studienzentren (Universitätskliniken, Krankenhäuser und Praxen) in Deutschland umfasst. Bis zum 31. August 2021 wurden 1.230 erwachsene Patienten eingeschlossen.

Methoden

In TREATgermany füllen Patienten und Ärzte Fragebögen zu Symptomen, Krankheitsschwere, Lebensqualität, Depressivität und Fatigue aus. Die Einschränkungen der Arbeitsleistung werden insbesondere mit dem Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) erfasst. Um Assoziationen zwischen beruflicher Leistung/Arbeitseinschränkungen und Symptomen zu bestimmen, wurden Korrelationen und Regressionsmodelle berechnet.

Ergebnisse

Die untersuchte Stichprobe von 228 berufstätigen Patienten beschrieb einen durchschnittlichen Produktivitätsverlust von 6% bei der Arbeit innerhalb der letzten zwei Wochen vor der Aufnahme in das Register. Der WLQ‐Wert für den Produktivitätsverlust war moderat mit Juckreiz (r = 0,32) und Schlafstörungen (r = 0,39) und stark mit depressiven Symptomen (r = 0,68) und Fatigue (r = 0,60) korreliert.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Analysen der Registerdaten zeigen, dass eine moderate bis schwere AD einen negativen Einfluss auf die Arbeitsproduktivität der Patienten hat. Die Analysen weisen außerdem auf die relevanten Zusammenhänge zwischen Arbeitsproduktivität, depressiven Symptomen und Fatigue hin, was die durch die psychologischen Komponenten der AD verursachte Krankheitslast verdeutlicht.

A concept for integrated care pathways for atopic dermatitis-A GA2 LEN ADCARE initiative

INTRODUCTION

The integrated care pathways for atopic dermatitis (AD-ICPs) aim to bridge the gap between existing AD treatment evidence-based guidelines and expert opinion based on daily practice by offering a structured multidisciplinary plan for patient management of AD. ICPs have the potential to enhance guideline recommendations by combining interventions and aspects from different guidelines, integrating quality assurance, and describing co-ordination of care. Most importantly, patients can enter the ICPs at any level depending on AD severity, resources available in their country, and economic factors such as differences in insurance reimbursement systems.

METHODS

The GA2 LEN ADCARE network and partners as well as all stakeholders, abbreviated as the AD-ICPs working group, were involved in the discussion and preparation of the AD ICPs during a series of subgroup workshops and meetings in years 2020 and 2021, after which the document was circulated within all GAL2 EN ADCARE centres.

RESULTS

The AD-ICPs outline the diagnostic procedures, possible co-morbidities, different available treatment options including differential approaches for the pediatric population, and the role of the pharmacists and other stakeholders, as well as remaining unmet needs in the management of AD.

CONCLUSION

The AD-ICPs provide a multidisciplinary plan for improved diagnosis, treatment, and patient feedback in AD management, as well as addressing critical unmet needs, including improved access to care, training specialists, implementation of educational programs, assessment on the impact of climate change, and fostering a personalised treatment approach. By focusing on these key areas, the initiative aims to pave the way for a brighter future in the management of AD.

Presenting Patient's Stories to Improve Attitudes of High-school Students Towards Persons with Skin Diseases: A Bullying-reduction Strategy

Abstract is missing (Short communication)

The association between atopic dermatitis, cognitive function and school performance in children and young adults

BACKGROUND

Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) may have disturbed sleep, affected self-esteem and decreased quality of life, likely interfering with performance in school.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between hospital-managed paediatric AD, school performance and cognitive function.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study we linked data from the Danish national registers and identified three populations between 2001 and 2019. Population 1 comprised children with graduation grades registered from lower secondary school, population 2 comprised adolescents with registration of an upper secondary graduation mean, and population 3 comprised male conscripts with registration of an IQ test score. AD was defined as a hospital diagnostic code (inpatient or outpatient) prior to the exam or conscription date, and was stratified according to severity, activity and atopic comorbidity. Outcomes included graduation mean from lower and upper secondary school, special educational assistance in primary and lower secondary school, and IQ at conscription.

RESULTS

In total, 770 611 (12 137 with AD), 394 193 (6261 with AD) and 366 182 (4539 with AD) children and adolescents were included in populations 1 (lower secondary graduation), 2 (upper secondary graduation) and 3 (conscription), respectively. In lower secondary school, children with severe AD had significantly lower overall, written and oral graduation grade means compared with children with mild AD: respectively, difference -0.29 [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.45 to -0.13, P < 0.001], difference -0.26 (95% CI -0.42 to -0.10, P = 0.0016) and difference -0.30 (95% CI -0.49 to -0.11, P = 0.0018). In upper secondary school, adolescents with AD performed similarly to their peers without AD. Young men with AD scored significantly lower IQ test means at conscription examination than male conscripts without AD: difference -0.60 (95% CI -0.87 to -0.32, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

AD, in particular when severe, is associated with lower school performance in childhood and IQ in young men, which can interfere with academic achievements in life. Optimization of treatment of children with AD and specific educational support to children with severe AD could be needed.

Challenges in the Use of the Treat-to-Target Strategy in Atopic Dermatitis in Latin America: A Case Series Review

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing-remitting illness. In moderate-to-severe instances, recommendations urge patient-centered systemic therapy. Existing standards lack long-term treatment success requirements. A treat-to-target methodology was proposed for systemic therapy patients that requires global improvements to prompt decisions about treatment.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study between May 2021 and June 2022 in three Ecuadorian patients with severe AD who were treated with dupilumab to assess the clinical evolution and behavior of the subdomains evaluated by clinimetric tools.

RESULTS

Patients A and C satisfied disease-domain response criteria to dupilumab at 12 and 24 weeks, but B did not complete the algorithm objectives. Nonetheless, patient A improved AD severity, itching, bleeding, desquamation, sleep, daily activities, mood, emotions, sexual troubles, clothing, and sports subdomains. Patient B experienced reduced symptomatology, AD aggravation, daily activities impact, and work/study impairment. Patient C improved from severe to mild desquamation, itching, exudate, lichenification, and rough/dry skin. Sleep, shame, and study subdomains improved the most.

CONCLUSION

We provide a new operational construct for analyzing current patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and clinician-reported outcome measures (CROMs) based on subdomains to widen our understanding of the state of disease activity and make clinical decisions when the treat-to-target strategy is not attained.

Implications of Atopic Dermatitis on the Quality of Life of 6-11 Years Old Children and Caregivers (PEDI-BURDEN)

Purpose

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing and remitting inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itch. The disease burden includes physical limitations, psychosocial discomfort, and a reduced quality of life (HRQoL). This study presents the results of a parent-reported survey on the psychosocial impact of AD on Italian pre-adolescent children (6-11 years old), with a specific focus on bullying, self-isolation, absenteeism, and presenteeism.

Methods

An online questionnaire was sent to 3067 random recipients and 160 matched the inclusion criteria for age, self-reported AD diagnosis, localizations (according to ISAAC), and disease severity (POEM ≥8). 100 children, with comparable ages, not matching the inclusion criteria for AD, were recruited as a control group.

Results

Children with AD and their caregivers had a significantly lower quality of sleep (QoS) compared to the control group. The presence of AD was directly responsible for many restless nights, both in children and caregivers (58.9 and 55.4 respectively). Children with AD and their parents also experienced significantly more daytime drowsiness (43.6 and 54.6 days, respectively). Children with AD were more frequently victims of bullying at school (20.0% vs 9.0%; p≤0.05) or in other social environments (16.9% vs 3.0%; p≤0.05). AD caused 17.7 days of absenteeism and 20.1 days of presenteeism per student over the previous 12 months, accounting for 37.8 days of study impairment overall. Severe/very severe AD had a significantly greater impact on presenteeism than moderate AD (25.1 vs 17.5 days; p≤0.05). Presenteeism, which was more pronounced among bullied students, was positively correlated with absenteeism only in the AD cohort.

Conclusion

AD has a detrimental impact on the HRQoL of pediatric patients, causing stigmatization and social isolation. Functional distress was also reported by caregivers. Our study might inform the public and policymakers about the disease burden of AD at a young age.

Children atopic dermatitis: Diagnosis, mimics, overlaps, and therapeutic implication

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory, itching skin with a significant psychosocial impact on patients and relatives. In adults and adolescents besides flexural eczema, head and neck eczema, and hand eczema, which are the most frequent clinical phenotypes (84.9% and 84.2%, respectively), there are also other possible presentation such as, portrait-like dermatitis (20.1%), diffuse eczema (6.5%), eczema nummulare-like (5.8%), prurigo nodularis-like (2.1%) and erythrodermia (0.7%). Diagnosis can be easy due to the typically distributed eczematous lesions, albeit with age-related differences, However, it is also extremely heterogeneous in severity, course, and sometimes particular clinical features. Currently, there are no better diagnostic criteria than an experienced dermatologist for the diagnosis of AD. Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment will have an impact not only on the child's physical health, but also and especially on the child's psychological health. The aim of our review was to group the main differential diagnoses in pediatric age where the diagnosis can often hide many pitfalls.

Burden of Atopic Dermatitis in Adults in Greece: Results from a Nationwide Survey

The objective was to describe the AD burden in terms of quality of life (QoL), sleep, social life, work productivity, and resource utilization in Greece and assess the impact of disease severity. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted. The questionnaire consisted of socioeconomic factors, medical history, AD screening, AD severity, QoL, sleep difficulties, social activities, and work productivity questions. AD was defined using the UK Working Party criteria (UKWP cohort) and a patient-reported AD diagnosis from a physician (Expert Diagnosis cohort). Self-reported moderate/severe AD was estimated using the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM). In the UKWP cohort, the AD effect on QoL was moderate/extremely large in 84.3% of moderate/severe AD (vs. 55.7% in mild; p = 0.016), while in the Expert Diagnosis cohort, it was 72.2% (vs. 22.8%; p < 0.001). Disease severity was associated with a higher impact on sleep and social activities. Overall work impairment was high in both mild (32.7%) and moderate/severe (48.5%) AD of the UKWP cohort, while among the Expert Diagnosis cohort, it was significantly higher among those with moderate/severe (31.2%) versus mild AD (11.9%; p < 0.001). The AD burden in Greece is significant, especially for those in moderate/severe AD stages. Acknowledging this burden is the first step toward applying healthcare decisions that will benefit patients and the community.

The efficacy and safety of IL-13 inhibitors in atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Several clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of interleukin-13 (IL-13) with lebrikizumab and tralokinumab in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the safety and efficacy of IL-13 inhibitors as a potent biologic for AD remain elusive.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of IL-13 inhibitors in moderate to severe AD.

Method

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), comparing IL-13 inhibitors vs placebo treatment in patients with moderate to severe AD, were identified from public database from its inception to November 9th, 2021. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021254920).

Results

Six studies reporting 7 RCTs involving 2946 patients with moderate-to-severe AD were included for the pooled analysis. Compared with placebo, antagonizing IL-13 with lebrikizumab and tralokinumab showed a greater improvement in percentage change of EASI (MD -20.37, 95%CI -32.28, -8.47), and a larger proportion of patients achieving numerical rating scale (NRS) with more than 4-points improvement (RR 1.59, 95%CI 1.23, 2.05). Additionally, IL-13 inhibitors also improved impaired dermatology life quality index (DLQI) (MD -14.49, 95%CI -19.23, -9.75). In terms of safety, both lebrikizumab and tralokinumab were well tolerated, with the except that they were linked to an increased risk of conjunctivitis compared to placebo treatment.

Conclusion

Antagonizing IL-13 with lebrikizumab and tralokinumab have demonstrated encouraging clinical efficacy against moderate-to-severe AD with excellent safety profile, albeit they did come with a higher risk of conjunctivitis than placebo treatment.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier ID=CRD42021254920.

Atopic dermatitis: Is innate or adaptive immunity in control? A clinical perspective

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with barrier defects and immune dysregulations. The pathogenesis of AD involves the physical barrier as well as epithelial cells, which are considered a vital part of the innate immunity of the skin. The importance of filaggrin mutations in the pathogenesis of AD has also been well-established with reproducible results around the world in multiple studies and ethnic groups. This protein plays an important role in skin barrier functions and further reaffirms barrier defects as one of the primary causes of AD. The main epithelial cells, keratinocytes, function as a major sentinel for the skin in detecting danger signals or microbial pathogens, and trigger downstream immune responses. In AD, these cells express TSLP, IL-33 and IL-25, which lead to downstream systemic production of type 2 cytokines. In spite of major advances in our understanding of the innate immunity of AD, recent success in the systemic therapeutics of AD have focused on targeting the products of the adaptive immunity, particularly cytokines produced by T cells. In addition to type 2 cytokines, type 17 cytokines have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of AD. The current review examines the implications of these cytokines in AD from clinical perspectives.

Treatment Patterns and Healthcare Resource Utilization Among Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using German Health Claims Data

Introduction

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease. Many patients are initiating a systemic therapy, if the disease is not adequately controlled with topical treatment only. Currently, there is little real-world evidence on the AD-related medical care situation in Germany. This study analyzed patient characteristics, treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization and costs associated with systemically treated AD for the German healthcare system.

Methods

In this descriptive, retrospective cohort study, aggregated anonymized German health claims data from the InGef research database were used. Within a representative sample of four million insured individuals, patients with AD and systemic drug therapy initiation (SDTI) in the index year 2017 were identified and included into the study cohort. Systemic drug therapy included dupilumab, systemic corticosteroids (SCS) and systemic immunosuppressants (SIS). Patients were observed for one year starting from the date of SDTI in 2017.

Results

9975 patients were included (57.8% female, mean age 39.6 years [SD 25.5]). In the one-year observation period, the most common systemic drug therapy was SCS (> 99.0%). Administrations of dupilumab (0.3%) or dispensations of SIS were rare (cyclosporine: 0.5%, azathioprine: 0.6%, methotrexate: 0.1%). Median treatment duration of SCS, cyclosporine and azathioprine was 27 days, 102 days, and 109 days, respectively. 2.8% of the patients received phototherapy; 41.6% used topical corticosteroids and/or topical calcineurin inhibitor. Average annual costs for medications amounted to € 1237 per patient. Outpatient services were used by 99.6% with associated mean annual costs of € 943; 25.4% had at least one hospitalization (mean annual costs: € 5836). 5.3% of adult patients received sickness benefits with associated mean annual costs of € 5026.

Conclusions

Despite unfavorable risk–benefit profile, this study demonstrated a common treatment with SCS, whereas other systemic drug therapy options were rarely used. Furthermore, the results suggest a substantial economic burden for patients with AD and SDTI.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-022-00773-3.

Quantifying Physician Preferences for Systemic Atopic Dermatitis Treatments Using a Discrete-Choice Experiment

Introduction

As research continues, new drugs will no doubt be added to the current pool of treatments for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). This raises the need for studies to determine prescriber preferences for different pharmacological options and the factors that influence their choice of treatment. Here we aim to explore physician preferences in the systemic treatment of moderate-to-severe AD, identify the sociodemographic characteristics that can influence physician preferences, and evaluate their satisfaction with current AD therapies.

Methods

A discrete-choice experiment (DCE) survey was administered to physicians treating patients with AD in Spain. Results were analyzed using a conditional logit model to estimate the relative importance of each attribute and the maximum risk accepted to achieve therapeutic benefit.

Results

A total of 28 respondents completed the DCE survey (67.9% female, mean age 45.9 years). Participants identified objective clinical efficacy and risk of severe adverse events (AEs) as the most important attributes, followed by improvement in sleep and pruritus and faster onset of action from the start of the treatment. Respondents gave less importance to mode of administration and therapeutic benefit in other atopic conditions. Respondents were willing to accept an increased risk of severe AEs and mild-to-moderate AEs leading to treatment discontinuation due to intolerance in order to obtain improvements in efficacy, sleep, and pruritus, and long-term clinical benefit.

Conclusion

Our findings can help prescribers choose the most appropriate systemic AD therapy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-022-00723-z.

Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents treated with dupilumab: a multicenter Italian real-world experience

Background

Moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in the adolescence is a high burden disease, and its treatment can be very challenging due to paucity of approved systemic drugs for this age and their side‐effects. Dupilumab was recently approved for treatment of adolescent AD.

Objectives

A multicentre, prospective, real‐world study on the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in adolescents (aged from ≥12 to <18 years) with moderate‐to‐severe AD was conducted. The main AD clinical phenotypes were also examined.

Methods

Data of adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe AD treated with dupilumab at label dosage for 16 weeks were collected. Treatment outcome was assessed by EASI, NRS itch, NRS sleep loss and CDLQI scores at baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment. The clinical scores were also evaluated according to clinical phenotypes.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐nine adolescents were enrolled in the study. Flexural eczema and head and neck eczema were the most frequent clinical phenotypes, followed by hand eczema and portrait‐like dermatitis. Coexistence of more than 1 phenotype was documented in 126/139 (88.5%) adolescents. Three patients (2.1%) contracted asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and 1 of the discontinued dupilumab treatment before the target treatment period. A significant improvement in EASI, NRS itch, NRS sleep loss and CDLQI was observed after 16 weeks of treatment with dupilumab. This outcome was better than that observed in clinical trials. Dupilumab resulted effective in all AD phenotypes, especially in diffuse eczema. Twenty‐eight (20.1%) patients reported adverse events, conjunctivitis and flushing being the most frequent. None of patients discontinued dupilumab due to adverse event.

Conclusions

Dupilumab in adolescent AD showed excellent effectiveness at week 16 with consistent improvement of all clinical scores. Moreover, dupilumab showed a good safety profile also in this COVID‐19 pandemic era.

Efficacy and Safety of an Antioxidant-Enriched Medical Device for Topical Use in Adults with Eczematous Dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

Emollients reduce the severity of dermatitis-associated symptoms. Antioxidant supplementation may be helpful to control inflammatory processes and consequential skin damage. The clinical performance and safety of an emollient medical device for topical treatment enriched with antioxidant ingredients in adults with mild-to-moderate dermatitis is presented in this manuscript.

METHODS

We performed a monocenter, open-label, uncontrolled clinical trial. Participants applied the product twice a day for 28 days. No other medication or moisturizer was allowed. Changes in dermatitis severity were assessed at days 14 and 28 by study investigators. Subjects self-assessed pruritus, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and product satisfaction. At the end of the study, a global evaluation of the product was done both by patient-reported outcomes and investigators' evaluations.

RESULTS

Forty subjects were enrolled in the study (mean age 35 years). Treatment success was achieved in 87.5% of subjects (p < 0.0001) after 28 days. Mean Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores decreased at days 14 and 28 (p < 0.0001). Subjects reported a reduction in pruritus severity and improvement of quality of life (p < 0.0001), along with satisfaction with the product. At the end of the study, skin condition improved in more than 90% of subjects. No safety issues were identified.

CONCLUSION

The medical device studied for topical use in this clinical trial is considered safe and reduces pruritus in adults with atopic and contact dermatitis.

Clinical and Humanistic Burden of Atopic Dermatitis in Europe: Analyses of the National Health and Wellness Survey

Introduction

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease that negatively impacts overall health, quality of life (QoL), and work productivity. Prior studies on AD burden by severity have focused on moderate-to-severe disease. Here, we describe the clinical and humanistic burden of AD in Europe across all severity levels, including milder disease.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the 2017 National Health and Wellness Survey from adult respondents with AD in the EU-5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK). AD disease severity was defined based on self-reported assessments as “mild,” “moderate,” or “severe” and by Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) severity bands. Self-reported outcomes for AD respondents by severity were assessed using propensity score matching. These outcomes included a wide range of selected medical/psychological comorbidities, overall QoL and functional status (EuroQol 5-Dimensions 5-Level and Short Form-36 version 2 questionnaires), and work productivity and activity impairment (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire).

Results

In total, 4208 respondents with AD (mild AD, 2862; moderate AD, 1177; severe AD, 169) and 4208 respondents without AD were included in this analysis. Results showed greater burden across severity levels compared with matched non-AD controls. A higher proportion of respondents with mild-to-moderate AD, defined by DLQI severity bands, reported atopic comorbidities (P < 0.05) and a wide range of cardiac, vascular, and metabolic comorbidities, including hypertension, high cholesterol, angina, and peripheral vascular disease (P < 0.005), compared with non-AD controls. Relative to potential impacts of various medical and psychological burdens, respondents with mild-to-moderate AD reported higher activity impairment than controls (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Clinical and humanistic burden was observed in European respondents with AD compared with matched non-AD controls across severity levels, with burden evident even in milder disease, highlighting the importance of improving disease management in early stages of AD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-022-00700-6.

The emerging role of the neuroimmune cytokine interleukin-31 in chronic inflammatory skin diseases

Chronic inflammatory skin diseases pose significant challenges for both patients and clinicians worldwide. Atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common of these diseases, affects up to 8% of the adult population depending on geographic location and demographic group, while prurigo nodularis (PN) is a less common disease that causes significant burden. In these inflammatory skin conditions, pruritus is a cardinal symptom. Interleukin 31 (IL-31), described as a neuroimmune modulator, has been shown to have a prominent role in both inflammation and itch. IL-31 acts through a receptor complex consisting of IL-31 receptor α (IL-31RA) and oncostatin M receptor β (OSMRβ). IL-31 is produced by a variety of cells, including type 2 helper T cells, and IL-31 signaling can activate three important pathways: JAK/STAT, P13K/AKT, and ERK/MAPK. IL-31 is elevated in AD and PN, and is thought to induce chemokine genes CCL1, CCL17, and CCL22. The chemokines recruit T cells to affected skin, where more IL-31 is secreted. The IL-31 receptor complex is also abundant in dorsal root ganglia in human tissue, home of primary sensory neurons and the distal source of "itch sensations". IL-31 and its receptor complex have an important role in chronic inflammatory diseases, including AD and PN, and blocking the IL-31/IL-31RA signaling may represent an important new therapeutic approach for these diseases, which continue to have significant unmet medical needs.

Perception and Experience of Biologic Therapy in Atopic Dermatitis: A Qualitative Focus Group Study of Physicians and Patients in Europe and Canada

INTRODUCTION

The Biologics in Atopic Dermatitis: Experiences & Learnings (BADEL) project aims to improve real-life understanding of how, where, and when biologics can play a role in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) from the perspective of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients.

METHODS

Individual experiences of 24 patients with moderate-to-severe AD and who had been treated with biologic therapy (dupilumab) for ≥ 3-6 months, and 20 HCPs with a sub-specialty interest in AD were collected by means of focus groups held in Canada, Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. Dupilumab was the only biologic therapy available at the time of the study.

RESULTS

Most patients had suffered from AD for many years, particularly from itch and psychosocial issues, with AD negatively impacting all aspects of their life. They had experienced a long treatment journey and seen many dermatologists, enduring treatment delays and failures. They had been prescribed various therapies without long-term success. Biologics provided symptom improvement, offering many patients a near-normal quality of life. Side effects, especially conjunctivitis, were the greatest drawback, and there were a few issues with incomplete or unreliable efficacy. HCPs agreed that biologic therapy for AD in the majority of patients demonstrated rapid onset, good efficacy and tolerability, and are a viable option in patients who had exhausted all other treatment options. However, those patients who failed to sufficiently respond or developed intolerable adverse effects, particularly ocular symptoms, require alternative therapeutic options.

CONCLUSION

Biologics can provide a near-normal quality of life for many patients with AD. Patients with AD who have failed conventional therapies should be offered all such novel therapies. Education and good patient-HCP communication will enable patients to manage their disease and treatment expectations. Patients and HCPs alike eagerly await alternative targeted therapies, which will offer greater choice and flexibility.