Efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment, 2%, in participants aged ≥45 years with stasis dermatitis: Results from a fully decentralized, randomized, proof-of-concept phase 2a study

BACKGROUND

Crisaborole ointment, 2%, is a nonsteroidal topical phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor approved for the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of crisaborole in stasis dermatitis (SD).

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, decentralized phase 2a study (NCT04091087), 65 participants aged ≥45 years with SD without active ulceration received crisaborole or vehicle (1:1) twice-daily for 6 weeks. The primary end point was percentage change from baseline in total sign score at week 6 based on in-person assessment.

RESULTS

Crisaborole-treated participants had significantly reduced total sign score from baseline versus vehicle based on in-person (nondermatologist) assessment (-32.4% vs -18.1%, P = .0299) and central reader (dermatologists) assessment of photographs (-52.5% vs -10.3%, P = .0004). Efficacy according to success and improvement per Investigator's Global Assessment score and lesional percentage body surface area reached statistical significance based on central reader but not in-person assessments. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders were common all-causality treatment-emergent adverse events with crisaborole.

LIMITATIONS

Small sample size and short treatment duration were key limitations. In-person assessment was not conducted by dermatologists.

CONCLUSION

Crisaborole improved signs and symptoms of SD and was well tolerated. Central reader assessment represents a promising approach for siteless clinical research.

Interventions for anxiety and depression in patients with atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is associated with anxiety and depression. Few studies have addressed interventions for symptoms of anxiety and depression in this population. To determine the efficacy of interventions for anxiety and depression in patients with AD. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched from inception to November 2023. English-language studies published in peer-reviewed journals evaluating the effect of interventions on anxiety and/or depression using validated assessment tools on patients with AD were included. Titles, abstracts, and articles were screened by at least two independent reviewers. Of 1410 references that resulted in the initial search, 17 studies were included. Fourteen of these studies are randomized controlled trials, while the other 3 studies are prospective controlled trials with pre and post-test designs. Data were extracted using a standardized extraction form, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. To accommodate trials with multiple interventions (each compared to a control group), we conducted a mixed-effects meta-analysis with the trial as a random effect. Prespecified outcomes were changes in symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with AD as evaluated using standardized assessment tools. Of the 17 studies included in this systematic review, 7 pharmacological intervention studies with 4723 participants examining 5 different medications were included in a meta-analysis. Of these studies, only 1 study evaluated medications prescribed to treat anxiety and/or depression; the rest evaluated medications prescribed to treat AD. Meta-analysis of all the pharmacological interventions resulted in significant improvement in anxiety, depression, and combined anxiety-depression scale scores (standardized mean difference [95% CI]: - 0.29 [- 0.49 to - 0.09], - 0.27 [- 0.45 to - 0.08], - 0.27 [- 0.45 to - 0.08]) respectively. The 10 non-pharmacological studies with 2058 participants showed general improvement in anxiety but not depression. A meta-analysis of the non-pharmacological interventions was not conducted due to variable approaches and limited data. Pharmacological interventions designed to improve AD were found to improve anxiety and depression in patients with moderate-severe disease. More comprehensive studies on non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions that primarily target anxiety and depression are needed.

Expert Recommendations on Use of Topical Therapeutics for Vitiligo in Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Patients

Importance

Evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of vitiligo in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients in the US are needed.

Objective

To develop evidence- and consensus-based expert recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of vitiligo in young patients.

Evidence Review

A process was developed to produce consensus recommendations addressing questions regarding pediatric vitiligo. A librarian-conducted literature review was performed using articles that met the inclusion criteria: published in English, containing primary data (including meta-analysis) and pediatric-specific data, and analysis of 6 or more patients. Included articles were graded by the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy criteria and Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine's Levels of Evidence and Grades of Recommendation. Research questions were reviewed on May 9, 2022, through a video conference. One month after the conference, participants participated in an online survey documenting their level of agreement with the generated statements, using a 5-point Likert scale.

Findings

Articles on topical corticosteroids and/or topical calcineurin inhibitors (n = 50), topical Janus kinase inhibitors (n = 5), pseudocatalase (n = 2), and microdermabrasion (n = 2) met inclusion criteria. Forty-two recommendations were made on the diagnosis of vitiligo and optimal topical therapeutics, with 33 recommendations obtaining a 70% or greater composite agreement and strong agreement. Topical calcineurin inhibitors twice daily, topical corticosteroids with time limitation due to atrophy risk, and topical ruxolitinib, 1.5%, cream-used off-label for patients younger than 12 years and limited to nonsegmental vitiligo-were identified as evidence-based first-line therapies in the management of pediatric and adolescent patients, with specific guidance on age-based data, minimum therapeutic trial of 6 months or greater, prolonged therapy to prevent recurrence, and the positive benefit of coordinated use of UV therapeutic sources.

Conclusions and Relevance

Evidence supports the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors, topical corticosteroids, and topical Janus kinase inhibitors as effective therapeutics for vitiligo in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients, with specific decisions on choice of agent based on factors such as site location, body surface area, and age.

Efficacy and safety of rademikibart (CBP-201), a next-generation mAb targeting IL-4Rα, in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis: A phase 2 randomized trial (CBP-201-WW001)

BACKGROUND

Rademikibart (CBP-201) is a next-generation IL-4 receptor alpha-targeting antibody.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate rademikibart in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

A total of 226 patients were randomized, double-blind, to subcutaneous rademikibart (300 mg every 2 weeks [Q2W], 150 mg Q2W, 300 mg every 4 weeks [Q4W]; plus 600-mg loading dose) or placebo. Randomization began in July 2020. The trial was completed in October 2021.

RESULTS

The WW001 phase 2 trial achieved its primary end point: significant percent reduction from baseline in least-squares mean Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) to week 16 with rademikibart 300 mg Q2W (-63.0%; P = .0007), 150 mg Q2W (-57.6%; P = .0067), 300 mg Q4W (-63.5%; P = .0004) versus placebo (-39.7%). EASI scores decreased significantly with 300 mg Q2W and Q4W at the earliest assessment (week 2), with no evidence of plateauing by week 16. Significant improvements were also observed in secondary end points, including pruritus. Across the primary and secondary end points, efficacy tended to be comparable with 300 mg Q2W and Q4W dosing. Rademikibart and placebo had similar, low incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (48% vs 54%), serious TEAEs (1.8% vs 3.6%), TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation (1.2% vs 1.8%), conjunctivitis of unspecified cause (2.9% vs 0%), herpes (0.6% vs 1.8%), and injection-site reactions (1.8% vs 1.8%). Although no discontinuations were attributed to coronavirus disease 2019, pandemic-related restrictions likely had an impact on trial conduct.

CONCLUSIONS

Rademikibart was efficacious and well tolerated at Q2W and Q4W intervals. Q4W dosing is a more convenient frequency than approved for current therapies.

Early and Sustained Improvements in Symptoms and Quality of Life with Upadacitinib in Adults and Adolescents with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: 52-Week Results from Two Phase III Randomized Clinical Trials (Measure Up 1 and Measure Up 2)

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by increased itch, skin pain, poor sleep quality, and other symptoms that negatively affect patient quality of life. Upadacitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor with greater inhibitory potency for JAK1 than JAK2, JAK3, or tyrosine kinase 2, is approved to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the effect of upadacitinib on patient-reported outcomes over 52 weeks in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

Data from two phase III monotherapy trials of upadacitinib (Measure Up 1, NCT03569293; Measure Up 2, NCT03607422) were integrated. Changes in pruritus, pain, other skin symptoms, sleep, quality of life, mental health, and patient impression were evaluated. Patient-reported outcome assessments included the Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Atopic Dermatitis Symptom Scale, Atopic Dermatitis Impact Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index, Patient Global Impression of Severity, Patient Global Impression of Change, and Patient Global Impression of Treatment. Minimal clinically important differences, achievement of scores representing minimal disease burden, and the change from baseline were evaluated in patients who received upadacitinib through week 52 and in patients who received placebo through week 16.

RESULTS

This analysis included 1609 patients (upadacitinib 15 mg, N = 557; upadacitinib 30 mg, N = 567; placebo, N = 485). Baseline demographics and disease characteristics were generally similar across all arms. The proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib reporting improvements in itch increased rapidly by week 1, increased steadily through week 8, and was sustained through week 52. Patients receiving upadacitinib also experienced improvements in pain and other skin symptoms by week 1, which continued through week 16; improvements were maintained through week 52. Patient reports of improved sleep increased rapidly from baseline to week 1, increased steadily through week 32, and were sustained through week 52. Patients experienced quality-of-life improvements through week 8, which were maintained through week 52. By week 1, patients in both upadacitinib groups experienced rapid improvements in emotional state, and by week 12, patients also achieved meaningful improvements in anxiety and depression. Improvements in mental health continued steadily through week 32 and were maintained through week 52. Patients treated with upadacitinib 30 mg generally experienced improvements in patient-reported outcomes earlier than those treated with upadacitinib 15 mg. Through week 16, patients receiving upadacitinib experienced greater improvements versus those receiving placebo in all assessed patient-reported outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis treated with once-daily upadacitinib 15 or 30 mg experienced early improvements in itch, pain, other skin symptoms, sleep, quality of life, and mental health that were sustained through week 52.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT03569293 (13 August 2018) and NCT03607422 (27 July 2018).

Validation of the Investigator Global Assessment of Chronic Hand Eczema (IGA-CHE): a new clinician reported outcome measure of CHE severity

The Investigator Global Assessment of Chronic Hand Eczema (IGA-CHE) is a novel Clinician-Reported Outcome measure that allows investigators to assess cross-sectional CHE global disease severity using clinical characteristics of erythema, scaling, lichenification/hyperkeratosis, vesiculation, oedema, and fissures as guidelines for overall severity assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the IGA-CHE for use as an outcome measure in CHE clinical trials and clinical practice. Psychometric analyses were performed using data from a sample of 280 patients with moderate to severe CHE from a phase 3 trial of delgocitinib cream, pooled across treatment groups. Test-retest reliability results were moderate to strong with kappa coefficients ranging from 0.63 to 0.76. Correlations with measures assessing related concepts were moderate or strong (range 0.65-0.72) and exceeded a priori hypotheses, providing evidence of convergent validity. Known-groups validity was supported by statistically significant differences between severity groups (< 0.001). Within-group effect sizes were consistently larger for improved groups compared to stable groups, providing evidence of ability to detect change. Anchor-based analyses generated within-subject meaningful change estimates ranging from - 0.8 to - 2.3. A correlation weighted average suggested a single value of - 1.7 in change from baseline. These findings provide evidence the IGA-CHE scale has strong reliability, construct validity, and ability to detect change, supporting its use as an endpoint in CHE clinical trials and clinical practice. Based on the evidence, 2-level changes in IGA-CHE score are considered a conservative meaningful change threshold; however, findings also indicate 1-level change in IGA-CHE scores reflects a clinically meaningful improvement for patients.Clinical trial registration: NCT04871711.

Allergic or Not: Final Interpretation of Doubtful Patch Test Reactions From the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, 2019-2020

Background: Doubtful patch test reactions generally do not meet criterion for positivity in patch testing. However, the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) allows for doubtful reactions to be coded with a final determination of "allergic/positive" based on the temporal pattern, appearance, known characteristics of the allergen, and/or other supportive patch test reactions. Objectives: To analyze NACDG data from the 2019-2020 patch test cycle to identify patterns in the interpretation and relevance of doubtful reactions. Methods: The frequency and proportions of doubtful reactions were tabulated and analyzed for patterns. Statistical analyses were limited to allergens with ≥30 doubtful reactions to ensure adequate sample size. Results: Of patch-tested patients, 31.9% (1315/4121) had ≥1 doubtful reaction. Of 2538 total doubtful reactions, 46% (n = 1167) had a final interpretation of "allergic/positive." The allergens with the highest proportion of doubtful reactions at the final visit were hydroperoxides of linalool 1% (4.5%), fragrance mix I 8.0% (3.9%), and cetrimonium chloride 0.5% (3.4%). Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) 0.02% (P < 0.001), MI 0.2% (P < 0.001), nickel sulfate hexahydrate 2.5% (P = 0.001), and neomycin sulfate 20.0% (P = 0.003) doubtful reactions were more likely to be interpreted as allergic than nonallergic. Methyldibromoglutaronitrile/phenoxyethanol 0.2% (P < 0.001), oleamidopropyl dimethylamine 0.1% (P < 0.001), formaldehyde 2.0% (P < 0.001), cetrimonium chloride 0.5% (P < 0.001), benzophenone-4 (sulisobenzone) 10% (P < 0.001), iodopropynyl butylcarbamate 0.5% (P < 0.001), cocamidopropyl betaine 1.0% (P = 0.002), and benzisothiazolinone 0.1% (P = 0.012) doubtful reactions were less likely to be interpreted as allergic. Of the 1167 doubtful reactions interpreted as allergic, 84.9% had current relevance. Conclusions: Doubtful reactions were common and approximately one half were coded with a final interpretation of "allergic/positive." Of those, most were clinically relevant. MCI/MI, MI, nickel, and neomycin were more likely to be interpreted as allergic.

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.

Abrocitinib efficacy and safety in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis by race, ethnicity, and Fitzpatrick skin type

BACKGROUND

Response to abrocitinib treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been evaluated across racial and ethnic subpopulations.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of abrocitinib on the basis of patient race, ethnicity, and Fitzpatrick skin type (FST).

METHODS

Data were pooled post hoc from patients treated with abrocitinib 200 mg, 100 mg, or placebo in 3 monotherapy trials (NCT02780167, NCT03349060, and NCT03575871). Race and ethnicity were self-reported; FST was determined by study investigators. Evaluations through Week 12 include the following: (1) Investigator's Global Assessment of clear or almost-clear skin; (2) greater than or equal to 75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index or SCORing AD; (3) a greater-than-or-equal-to 4-point improvement in Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale score; (4) least squares mean changes in Dermatology Life Quality Index and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure scores; and (5) treatment-emergent adverse events.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 628 White, 204 Asian, and 83 Black patients; 37 were Hispanic or Latino; 624 had FST I to III and 320 had FST IV to VI. Treatment with either abrocitinib dose was associated with greater proportions of patients achieving Investigator's Global Assessment of clear or almost-clear skin, ≥ 75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index, ≥ 75% improvement in SCORing AD, and a ≥ 4-point improvement in Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale, or greater score changes from baseline in Dermatology Life Quality Index and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure vs placebo regardless of race, ethnicity, or FST. Dose-response was most prominent in White patients. In Black patients, the effects of the 2 doses were similar. Treatment-emergent adverse events were more common in White and Black than in Asian patients.

CONCLUSION

Abrocitinib was more efficacious than placebo across the racial and ethnic groups and ranges of phototypes analyzed. Studies with increased representation of populations of color are warranted to elucidate potential variations in response across diverse populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02780167 (phase 2b), NCT03349060 (phase 3 MONO-1), and NCT03575871 (phase 3 MONO-2).

Safety and efficacy of eblasakimab, an interleukin 13 receptor α1 monoclonal antibody, in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: A phase 1b, multiple-ascending dose study

BACKGROUND

Eblasakimab, an interleukin (IL)-13 receptor α1 antagonist, blocks IL-4 and IL-13 signaling through the type 2 receptor.

OBJECTIVE

The safety and efficacy of eblasakimab was evaluated in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

METHODS

In this phase 1b randomized, double-blinded study, 52 patients with moderate-to-severe AD received weekly subcutaneous injections of eblasakimab 200, 400, or 600 mg, or placebo for 8 weeks. Primary outcome was the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events. Secondary outcomes included percentage change in the Eczema Area and Severity Index from baseline; Eczema Area and Severity Index improvement of at least 50%, 75%, or 90% from baseline; and percentage change in the peak-pruritus numeric rating scale score from baseline.

RESULTS

Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 47% placebo and 71% eblasakimab patients; most were considered mild or moderate and did not lead to study discontinuation. At week 8 eblasakimab 600 mg showed statistically significant improvement in mean percentage change in Eczema Area and Severity Index versus placebo (-65% vs -27%, P = .014). Other key secondary physician- and patient-reported end points were met.

LIMITATIONS

Longer studies are required to confirm eblasakimab safety and efficacy in AD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe AD with eblasakimab was well-tolerated and associated with significant clinical improvements versus placebo.

Phosphorylated p38 MAP kinase expression by leucocytes is increased in allergic humans and associated with IgE responses

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) activate cascades that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and death. Phosphorylated (phos-)p38 MAPK is a cell-signalling pathway associated with Th2 cytokine responses, which is required for immunoglobulin (Ig)E production. It is unknown whether MAPK are associated with IgE production. We examine the evidence linking p38 MAPK to inflammatory responses. Phos-p38, extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) and c-JUN-n terminal (JNK) MAPK expression by blood leucocyte subsets and levels of serum Igs were measured in blood from adults with asthma and/or rhinoconjunctivitis (N = 28) and non-asthma (N = 10) (flow cytometry, microfluorenzymeimmunoassay). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from allergic subjects were cultured for 10 days ± anti-CD40/recombinant IL-4 ± inhibitor of phos-P38. Culture supernatants were assayed for IgE (ELISA). Phos-p38 MAPK expression by all leucocyte subsets of allergic subjects was associated with serum IgE levels (p ≤ 0.01), after adjusting for cell counts, age, sex, race and smoking status (p ≤ 0.04). Leucocyte expression of phos-ERK and JNK did not correlate with IgE (p = 0.09-0.99). Instead, phos-ERK expression was associated with serum IgG. When PBMC from atopic subjects were cultured for 10 days with anti-CD40/rhIL-4, IgE levels were 26.2 ± 18 ng/mL. Inclusion of SB202190 (5-20 μg/mL), a specific inhibitor of phos-p38 MAPK, in culture suppressed IgE production in dose-dependent manner, with peak suppression obtained with SB202190 at 20 μg/mL (82.1% ± 11.8) (p = 0.0001), with virtually no cytotoxicity (<5%). Different MAPK pathways may be associated with IgE (p38) and IgG (ERK) responses. Phos-p38 MAPK can be a potential anti-allergy drug target.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) guidelines: 2023 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters GRADE- and Institute of Medicine-based recommendations

BACKGROUND

Guidance addressing atopic dermatitis (AD) management, last issued in 2012 by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Joint Task Force, requires updating as a result of new treatments and improved guideline and evidence synthesis methodology.

OBJECTIVE

To produce evidence-based guidelines that support patients, clinicians, and other decision-makers in the optimal treatment of AD.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary guideline panel consisting of patients and caregivers, AD experts (dermatology and allergy/immunology), primary care practitioners (family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine), and allied health professionals (psychology, pharmacy, nursing) convened, prioritized equity, diversity, and inclusiveness, and implemented management strategies to minimize influence of conflicts of interest. The Evidence in Allergy Group supported guideline development by performing systematic evidence reviews, facilitating guideline processes, and holding focus groups with patient and family partners. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach informed rating the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations. Evidence-to-decision frameworks, subjected to public comment, translated evidence to recommendations using trustworthy guideline principles.

RESULTS

The panel agreed on 25 recommendations to gain and maintain control of AD for patients with mild, moderate, and severe AD. The eAppendix provides practical information and implementation considerations in 1-2 page patient-friendly handouts.

CONCLUSION

These evidence-based recommendations address optimal use of (1) topical treatments (barrier moisturization devices, corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, PDE4 inhibitors [crisaborole], topical JAK inhibitors, occlusive [wet wrap] therapy, adjunctive antimicrobials, application frequency, maintenance therapy), (2) dilute bleach baths, (3) dietary avoidance/elimination, (4) allergen immunotherapy, and (5) systemic treatments (biologics/monoclonal antibodies, small molecule immunosuppressants [cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate, JAK inhibitors], and systemic corticosteroids) and UV phototherapy (light therapy).

Patch Testing With Nickel, Cobalt, and Chromium in Patients With Suspected Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis is frequently caused by metals, including multiple metals simultaneously. Objectives: To assess characteristics and associations of positive and clinically relevant patch test (PT) reactions with solitary and concurrent metal sensitization. Methods: A retrospective analysis of PT results for nickel, cobalt, and/or chromium from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group between 2001 and 2018 (n = 43,522). Results: 18.0% had a positive/allergic reaction to nickel sulfate hexahydrate, 7.3% to cobalt chloride hexahydrate, and 3.0% to potassium dichromate. 87.9% patients had a currently relevant reaction to 0, 9.4% to 1, and 2.7% to multiple metals tested. Patients with 1 versus no currently relevant reactions to metal were more likely to have a primary dermatitis site of trunk, feet, and ears; patients with currently relevant reactions to multiple metals had more dermatitis affecting the trunk and ears. Metal sources varied by co-reacting metal, especially for patients with cobalt and chromium allergy. Jewelry was the most commonly identified source of nickel and cobalt for both solitary and concurrent metal allergy. Conclusions: Sensitization to multiple metals occurred in 6% of patients. Allergen sources varied between patients with sensitivity to 1 metal versus those who had concurrent sensitivity to cobalt and/or chromium.

Development of an Eczema Area and Severity Index Atlas for Diverse Skin Types

Background: Current guidance for using Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) implementation is limited to lighter skin phototypes. We developed an EASI lesion severity atlas and refined guidance for investigators and clinicians to use across diverse patient populations. Methods: A review was performed of clinical images from internal atopic dermatitis (AD) photorepositories. Representative images of the 4 AD signs included in EASI were selected for different physician-assessed skin phototypes. Images were excluded if they had low resolution, poor focus, or lighting. Discrepancies regarding skin pigmentation and AD severity were resolved by consensus between authors. Results: Over 3000 clinical photographs were reviewed. Final images were selected using an iterative review process and consensus. Two different versions of the atlas were created across 6 physician-assessed phototypes (I-VI) and 3 skin complexions (light, medium, and dark). We propose guidance language for erythema to reflect the range of colors encountered across different skin complexions (shades of red, purple, and brown). Conclusion: We created a photographic atlas and updated guidance language for implementing EASI in diverse populations, including those with higher skin phototypes.

Dupilumab treatment improves signs, symptoms, quality of life, and work productivity in patients with atopic hand and foot dermatitis: Results from a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Despite high disease burden, systemic treatment options for patients with atopic hand and/or foot dermatitis (H/F AD) are limited.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate efficacy and safety of dupilumab in H/F AD using specific instruments for assessing disease severity on hands and feet.

METHODS

In this multicenter phase 3 trial, adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe H/F AD were randomized to dupilumab monotherapy (regimen approved for generalized AD), or matched placebo. The primary endpoint was proportion of patients achieving Hand and Foot Investigator's Global Assessment score 0 or 1 at week 16. Secondary prespecified endpoints assessed the severity and extent of signs, symptom intensity (itch, pain), quality of life, and sleep.

RESULTS

A total of 133 patients (adults = 106, adolescents = 27) were randomized to dupilumab (n = 67) or placebo (n = 66). At week 16, significantly more patients receiving dupilumab (n = 27) than placebo (n = 11) achieved Hand and Foot Investigator's Global Assessment score 0 or 1 (40.3% vs 16.7%; P = .003). All other prespecified endpoints were met. Safety was consistent with the known AD dupilumab profile.

LIMITATIONS

Short-term, 16-week treatment period.

CONCLUSION

Dupilumab monotherapy resulted in significant improvements across different domains of H/F AD with acceptable safety, supporting dupilumab as a systemic treatment approach for this often difficult to treat condition.

More than just methylisothiazolinone: Retrospective analysis of patients with isothiazolinone allergy in North America, 2017-2020

BACKGROUND

Isothiazolinones are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence of positive patch test reactions to isothiazolinones from 2017-2020 and characterize isothiazolinone-allergic (Is+) patients compared with isothiazolinone nonallergic (Is-) patients.

METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 9028 patients patch tested to methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) 0.02% aqueous, MI 0.2% aqueous, benzisothiazolinone (BIT) 0.1% petrolatum, and/or octylisothiazolinone (OIT) 0.025% petrolatum. Prevalence, reaction strength, concurrent reactions, clinical relevance, and source of allergens were tabulated.

RESULTS

In total, 21.9% (1976/9028) of patients had a positive reaction to 1 or more isothiazolinones. Positivity to MI was 14.4% (1296/9012), MCI/MI was 10.0% (903/9017), BIT was 8.6% (777/9018), and OIT was 05% (49/9028). Compared with Is-, Is+ patients were more likely to have occupational skin disease (16.5% vs 10.3%, P <.001), primary hand dermatitis (30.2% vs 19.7%, P <.001), and be >40 years (73.1% vs 61.9%, P <.001). Positive patch test reactions to >1 isothiazolinone occurred in 44.1% (871/1976) of Is+ patients. Testing solely to MCI/MI would miss 47.3% (611/1292) of MI and 60.1% (466/776) of BIT allergic reactions.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective cross-sectional study design and lack of follow-up data.

CONCLUSION

Sensitization to isothiazolinones is high and concurrent sensitization to multiple isothiazolinone allergens is common.

Executive summary: Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with phototherapy and systemic therapies

BACKGROUND

The summarized guidelines update the 2014 recommendations for the management of AD with phototherapy and systemic therapies.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary workgroup conducted a systematic review and applied the GRADE approach for assessing the certainty of the evidence and formulating and grading recommendations.

RESULTS

The workgroup developed 11 recommendations on the management of AD in adults with phototherapy and systemic therapies, including biologics, oral Janus Kinase inhibitors, and other immunomodulatory medications.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence supported strong recommendations for the use of dupilumab, tralokinumab, abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib and conditional recommendations in favor of using phototherapy, azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate, and against the use of systemic corticosteroids.

Real-world clinical, psychosocial and economic burden of atopic dermatitis: Results from a multicountry study

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a relapsing, inflammatory skin disease, is associated with pruritus that can negatively affect patients' quality of life. Understanding the burden of AD is critical for informing and tailoring treatment and disease management to improve patient outcomes. This study characterized global treatment patterns and the clinical, psychosocial and economic burden of moderate-to-severe AD.

METHODS

MEASURE-AD was a cross-sectional 28-country study in patients with physician-confirmed moderate-to-severe AD who were either receiving or eligible for systemic therapy for AD. Patients ≥12 years were enrolled between December 2019 and December 2020 while attending routine office or clinic visit. Primary outcomes included Worst Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale (WP-NRS; range: 0-10) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI; range: 0-30) and Children's DLQI (CDLQI; range: 0-30). Secondary outcomes included physician- and patient-reported clinical, psychosocial and economic burden.

RESULTS

Of the 1591 patients enrolled, 1558 (1434 adults and 124 adolescents) fulfilled all patient selection criteria and were included in this analysis. Almost all patients (98.4%) in the total population were using AD medications and more than half (56%) were receiving systemic medication (15% systemic monotherapy). The most used systemic therapies were dupilumab (56.3%), systemic glucocorticoids (18.1%) and methotrexate (16.2%). Mean WP-NRS was 5.3 in the total population, and most patients (≥55%) reported moderate-to-severe pruritus (WP-NRS ≥4). Mean DLQI was 10.8 and mean CDLQI was 9.6. Secondary endpoints demonstrated substantial clinical, psychosocial, and economic burden of disease. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that patients receiving systemic therapy had lower disease burden than those not taking systemic medications.

CONCLUSIONS

While systemic therapy lowers overall disease burden, patients with moderate-to-severe AD continue to have substantial multidimensional disease burden and uncontrolled disease. Overall, there is a need for effective disease management, including effective treatments that improve patients' psychosocial outcomes and reduce the economic burden of AD.

Targeting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor to Address the Challenges of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing–remitting disease with a multifactorial etiology involving epidermal barrier and immunologic dysfunction. Topical therapies form the mainstay of AD treatment, but options are limited by adverse effects and restrictions on application site, duration, and extent of use. Tapinarof (VTAMA; Dermavant Sciences, Inc.) is a first-in-class, non-steroidal, topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. AhR is a ligand-dependent transcription factor with wide-ranging roles, including regulation of homeostasis and immune response in skin cells. AhR expression and signaling are altered in many inflammatory skin diseases, and clinical trials with tapinarof have validated AhR as a therapeutic target capable of delivering significant efficacy. Tapinarof cream 1% once daily demonstrated efficacy versus vehicle in adults and adolescents with AD and is being investigated in the ADORING trials for the treatment of AD in adults and children down to 2 years of age. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(2):23-28.  doi:10.36849/JDD.8026.

Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with phototherapy and systemic therapies

BACKGROUND

For people with atopic dermatitis (AD) refractory to topical therapies, treatment with phototherapy and systemic therapies can be considered. Multiple biologic therapies and Janus kinase (JAK)inhibitors have been approved since 2014 to treat AD. These guidelines update the 2014 recommendations for management of AD with phototherapy and systemic therapies.

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of phototherapy and systemic therapies for AD in adults.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary workgroup conducted a systematic review and applied the GRADE approach for assessing the certainty of evidence and formulating and grading recommendations.

RESULTS

The workgroup developed 11 recommendations on the management of AD in adults with phototherapy and systemic agents, including biologics, oral JAK inhibitors, and other immunomodulatory medications.

LIMITATIONS

Most randomized controlled trials of phototherapy and systemic therapies for AD are of short duration with subsequent extension studies, limiting comparative long-term efficacy and safety conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

We make strong recommendations for the use of dupilumab, tralokinumab, abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib. We make conditional recommendations in favor of using phototherapy, azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate, and against the use of systemic corticosteroids.

Efficacy and Risk Stratification of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Recently, 3 oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors-abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib-were approved in many regions around the world for the treatment of moderate-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). These JAK inhibitors generally have rapid onset of action and short half-life. Higher doses of abrocitinib and upadactinib even demonstrated superior efficacy to dupilumab. However, JAK inhibitors can be associated with rare serious and potentially life-threatening adverse events. Heterogeneity in study designs and lack of head-to-head studies make safety comparison between JAK inhibitors difficult. Dose reduction and patient selection are the most important considerations for risk mitigation. This narrative review examines the efficacy data for abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib from large phase III double-blinded randomized controlled trials in AD and discusses risk stratification for oral JAK inhibitors in AD patients.

Patients' and Caregivers' Preferences for Mental Health Care and Support in Atopic Dermatitis

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) has large mental health impacts for patients and caregivers, yet their preferences regarding how to relieve these impacts are poorly understood. Objective: To understand patients' and caregivers' preferences for AD-related mental health care and support. Methods: We surveyed 279 adult AD patients and 154 caregivers of children with AD across 26 countries regarding their AD-related mental health burden, preferred strategies for improving AD-related mental health, and experiences with mental health care in AD. Results: Caregivers reported significantly worse overall mental health (P = 0.01) and anxiety (P = 0.03) than adult patients when controlling for AD severity. Among adult patients, 58% selected treating the AD, 51% managing itch, 44% wearing clothing to cover up skin, 43% avoiding social situations, and 41% spending time alone, as strategies they felt would improve their own AD-related mental health. Caregivers selected managing itch and treating the AD most frequently for both their own (76% and 75%, respectively) and their children's (75% and 61%) mental health. Adult patients were less satisfied with mental health care from mental health providers versus nonmental health providers (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Effective AD management is the preferred method for improving mental health among patients as well as caregivers, who may experience the greatest mental health impacts. Self-care strategies should be considered in a shared decision-making approach.

Which Clinical Measurement Tools for Atopic Dermatitis Severity Make the Most Sense in Clinical Practice?

Assessment of atopic dermatitis (AD) severity is essential for therapeutic decision making and monitoring treatment progress. However, there are a myriad of clinical measurement tools available, some of which are impractical for routine clinical use despite being recommended for clinical trials in AD. For measurement tools to be used in clinical practice, they should be valid, reliable, rapidly completed, and scored, and easily incorporated into existing clinic workflows. This narrative review addresses content, validity, and feasibility, and provides a simplified repertoire of assessments for clinical assessment of AD based on prior evidence and expert opinion. Tools that may be feasible for clinical practice include patient-reported outcomes (eg, dermatology life quality index, patient-oriented eczema measure, numerical rating scales for itch, pain, and sleep disturbance, AD Control Tool, and patient-reported global assessment), and clinician-reported outcomes (eg, body surface area and investigator's global assessment). AD is associated with variable clinical signs, symptoms, extent of lesions, longitudinal course, comorbidities, and impacts. Any single domain is insufficient to holistically characterize AD severity, select therapy, or monitor treatment response. A combination of these tools is recommended to balance completeness and feasibility.

Treat-to-target in dermatology: A scoping review and International Eczema Council survey on the approach in atopic dermatitis

Treat-to-target (T2T) is a pragmatic therapeutic strategy being gradually introduced into dermatology after adoption in several other clinical areas. Atopic dermatitis (AD), one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, may also benefit from this structured and practical therapeutic approach. We aimed to evaluate existing data regarding the T2T approach in dermatology, with a specific focus on AD, as well as the views of International Eczema Council (IEC) members on the potential application of a T2T approach to AD management. To do so, we systematically searched for peer-reviewed publications on the T2T approach for any skin disease in the PubMed and Scopus databases up to February 2022 and conducted a survey among IEC members regarding various components to potentially include in a T2T approach in AD. We identified 21 relevant T2T-related reports in dermatology, of which 14 were related to psoriasis, five to AD, one for juvenile dermatomyositis and one for urticaria. In the IEC member survey, respondents proposed treatable traits (with itch, disease severity and sleep problems getting the highest scores), relevant comorbidities (with asthma being selected most commonly, followed by anxiety and depression in adults), recommended specialists that should define the approach in AD (dermatologists, allergists and primary care physicians were most commonly selected in adults), and applicable assessment tools (both physician- and patient-reported), in both adult and paediatric patients, for potential future utilization of the T2T approach in AD. In conclusion, while the T2T approach may become a useful tool to simplify therapeutic goals and AD management, its foundation in AD is only starting to build. A multidisciplinary approach, including a wide range of stakeholders, including patients, is needed to further define the essential components needed to utilize T2T in AD.

Assessment and Management of Sleep Disturbances in Atopic Dermatitis: A Review

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic burdensome inflammatory skin disease with well-established cutaneous and systemic comorbidities and disease burden. AD particularly has profound impacts on sleep in individuals of all ages. Sleep disturbances (SDs) affect 6.2% of school-age children and 33-87.1% of adults with AD. This narrative review addresses the burden of SD in AD patients, as well as biological mechanisms of SD in AD, including biological clocks influencing sleep, inflammation, and behavior. Approaches for early detection, diagnosis, objective quantification, patient education, and management are reviewed. It is imperative to break the itch-scratch cycle to reduce SDs and improve quality of life in individuals with AD.

Tralokinumab Provides Clinically Meaningful Responses at Week 16 in Adults with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis Who Do Not Achieve IGA 0/1

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Investigator's Global Assessment of clear/almost clear skin (IGA 0/1) is a difficult endpoint to achieve after short-term treatment of chronic moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, and does not fully reflect clinically meaningful changes in other parameters. We assessed the impact of tralokinumab versus placebo on other clinically meaningful parameters in patients not achieving IGA 0/1 at week 16 using pooled data from two monotherapy phase III trials, ECZTRA 1 and 2.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis included patients (n = 1328) from ECZTRA 1 and 2 who did not achieve the co-primary endpoint, IGA 0/1 at week 16 without rescue medication. Endpoints evaluating atopic dermatitis extent and severity included proportions of patients achieving IGA 0/1, 50%, 75%, and 90% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-50/75/90); endpoints evaluating patient-reported outcomes included a ≥ 3-point improvement in worst daily pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), a ≥ 3-point improvement in eczema-related sleep interference (sleep) NRS, a ≥ 4-point improvement in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and DLQI ≤ 5. Specifically, clinically meaningful responses were defined as EASI-50, a ≥ 3-point improvement in itch NRS, or a ≥ 4-point improvement in DLQI at week 16.

RESULTS

Among ECZTRA 1 and 2 patients who did not achieve IGA 0/1 at week 16 without rescue medication, a significantly greater proportion of patients receiving tralokinumab versus placebo achieved EASI-50 (33.0% vs 13.0%), a ≥ 3-point improvement in itch NRS (22.6% vs 9.4%), or a ≥ 4-point improvement in DLQI (41.2% vs 24.5%) at week 16. In addition, compared with placebo, a numerically greater proportion of tralokinumab-treated patients achieved all three measures of clinically meaningful response (30% vs 18%) or a clinically meaningful change in at least one outcome (48.8% vs 28.5%). Significantly greater proportions of patients receiving tralokinumab versus placebo achieved additional clinician-reported and patient-reported outcomes, such as EASI-75 (13.5% vs 4.1%), EASI-90 (3.5% vs 1.1%), DLQI ≤ 5 (22.5% vs 12.5%), and a ≥ 3-point improvement in sleep NRS (24.5% vs 11.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Tralokinumab provided clinically meaningful responses in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who did not achieve IGA 0/1 at week 16 and/or used rescue medication. Using multiple validated outcome measures of both efficacy and quality of life, alongside IGA scores, can better characterize tralokinumab treatment responses in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. [Video abstract available] CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03131648 (ECZTRA 1); study start date: 30 May, 2017; primary completion date: 7 August, 2018; study completion date: 10 October, 2019. NCT03160885 (ECZTRA 2); study start date: 12 June, 2017; primary completion date: 4 September, 2019; study completion date: 14 August, 2019. Video abstract: Tralokinumab provides clinically meaningful responses at week 16 in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who do not achieve IGA 0/1 (MP4 362818 KB).

Tapinarof validates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a therapeutic target: A clinical review

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that has wide-ranging roles, including regulation of inflammation and homeostasis. AhR is not a cell surface receptor; rather, it exists in a cytoplasmic complex that responds to a wide variety of structurally dissimilar endogenous, microbial, and environmental ligands. The ubiquitous expression of AhR, its ability to be activated by a wide range of ligands, and its capacity to act as a master regulator for gene expression and homeostasis make it a promising new therapeutic target. Clinical trials of tapinarof cream have now validated AhR agonism as a therapeutic approach that can deliver significant efficacy for treating inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Tapinarof 1% cream is a first-in-class, nonsteroidal, topical, AhR agonist with a pharmacokinetic profile that results in localized exposure at sites of disease, avoiding systemic safety concerns, drug interactions, or off-target effects. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis both involve epidermal inflammation, cellular immune responses, dysregulation of skin barrier protein expression, and oxidative stress. On the basis of the clinical effectiveness of tapinarof cream for treating inflammatory skin diseases, we review how targeting AhR may offer a significant opportunity in other conditions that share key aspects of pathogenesis, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, ophthalmic, and nervous system diseases.

Mental health interventions for atopic dermatitis: knowledge gaps, pilot programmes and future directions

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with high levels of psychosocial burden, often resulting in poor mental health outcomes. Despite this association, few studies have evaluated the efficacy of mental health interventions within this population. Utilization of multidisciplinary and peer-led support, in addition to equipping patients with psychological tools, may be beneficial in improving mental health outcomes. Future research is needed to determine which interventions and formats are desired by, effective in and accessible to patients and caregivers with AD.

Aggregate Response Benefit in Skin Clearance and Itch Reduction With Upadacitinib or Dupilumab in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Background: In patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), greater skin clearance and itch reduction are associated with more pronounced improvements in quality of life (QoL). Objective: To characterize the aggregate response benefit with upadacitinib versus dupilumab or placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Methods: Degree of skin clearance and itch response in 3 phase 3 studies (Heads Up [NCT03738397] and Measure Up 1/2 [integrated; NCT03569293/NCT03607422]) were assessed by the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (WP-NRS), respectively, using mutually exclusive categories. The aggregate response benefit with upadacitinib over dupilumab or placebo was determined by summing incremental differences for each EASI or WP-NRS category across the full distribution of patient responses. Results: Comparisons across EASI improvement threshold distributions, EASI severity levels, and WP-NRS categories demonstrated an aggregate response benefit favoring upadacitinib over dupilumab as early as week 4 and continuing at weeks 16 and 24. Similar trends were observed for upadacitinib 15 and 30 mg versus placebo. Conclusions: The aggregate response benefit in skin clearance and itch reduction favored upadacitinib 30 mg over dupilumab and upadacitinib 15 or 30 mg over placebo. These benefits may translate to overall greater improvements in patient QoL.

Abrocitinib Provides Rapid and Sustained Improvement in Skin Pain and Is Associated with Improved Quality of Life Outcomes in Adult and Adolescent Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Skin pain in atopic dermatitis (AD) increases with disease severity and is associated with substantial quality of life (QoL) burden.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate abrocitinib efficacy on skin pain and QoL in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis included data with abrocitinib administered as monotherapy (pooled phase 2b [NCT02780167] and phase 3 JADE MONO-1 [NCT03349060] and JADE MONO-2 [NCT03575871]) or in combination with topical therapy (phase 3 JADE COMPARE [NCT03720470] and JADE TEEN [NCT03796676]). Patients received oral, once-daily abrocitinib 200 mg, abrocitinib 100 mg, or placebo for 12 or 16 weeks (JADE COMPARE). Skin pain was rated using the Pruritus and Symptoms Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (PSAAD) skin pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) item ("How painful was your skin over the past 24 h?") on a scale from 0 (not painful) to 10 (extremely painful). Itch (Peak Pruritus NRS) and QoL (Dermatology Life Quality Index or Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index) were assessed. Least squares mean (LSM) change from baseline was analyzed using mixed-effects repeated measures modeling.

RESULTS

A total of 1,822 patients (monotherapy pool, n = 942; JADE COMPARE, n = 595; and JADE TEEN, n = 285) were analyzed. LSM change from baseline in PSAAD skin pain score was significantly greater with abrocitinib versus placebo from week 2 through week 12 or 16 across all 3 study populations and occurred in a dose-dependent manner. A greater proportion of patients achieved a ≥4-point improvement from baseline in PSAAD skin pain score with abrocitinib (200 mg and 100 mg) versus placebo in the monotherapy pool (56% and 38% vs. 12%; week 12), JADE COMPARE (72% and 52% vs. 26%; week 16), and JADE TEEN (51% and 60% vs. 31%; week 12). Additionally, a greater proportion of patients achieved a stringent threshold of skin pain improvement (PSAAD skin pain score <2) with abrocitinib versus placebo. Adults and adolescents who achieved a ≥4-point improvement in skin pain reported greater QoL improvement than those who did not achieve a ≥4-point improvement. A positive correlation (≥0.3) was observed between skin pain and QoL and separately between skin pain and itch across the 3 study populations.

CONCLUSION

Abrocitinib as monotherapy or in combination with topical therapy improved skin pain and was associated with improved QoL in both adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD across all evaluated studies.

Burden of Atopic Dermatitis in Pediatric Patients: An International Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Few large-scale international studies broadly characterized the burden of atopic dermatitis (AD) across age groups among children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To better characterize the AD burden in pediatric subjects by disease severity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, web-based survey of pediatric subjects (6 months to <18 years old) was conducted in 18 countries representing North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East/Eurasia, and East Asia. Subjects with diagnosed AD were identified based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood criteria and self-/parent-report of ever being told by a physician that they/their child had eczema. AD severity was assessed using Patient Oriented Eczema Measure and Patient Global Assessment. Outcomes included measures of itch, skin pain, sleep, health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), missed school days, and atopic comorbidities.

RESULTS

The survey included 1489 children 6 months to < 6 years; 2898 children 6 to < 12 years; and 3078 adolescents 12 to < 18 years diagnosed with AD. Although the burden of mild AD was substantial, pediatric subjects with moderate or severe AD had more itch, skin pain, sleep problems, and impaired HRQoL, and missed more school days relative to those with mild AD; greater burden was observed among severe relative to moderate AD. At least one atopic comorbidity was present in 92·5% of all respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the burden of AD in pediatric subjects especially those with moderate-to-severe disease, and suggest the need for assessments that include the impact of AD on function and daily life.

Disease burden among patients with atopic dermatitis treated with systemic therapy for 4-12 months: results from the CorEvitas Atopic Dermatitis Registry

BACKGROUND

Real-world data on the effectiveness of systemic therapy in atopic dermatitis (AD) are limited.

METHODS

Adult patients with AD in the CorEvitas AD registry (2020-2021) who received systemic therapies for 4-12 months prior to enrollment were included based on disease severity: body surface area (BSA) 0%-9% and BSA ≥10%. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were assessed using descriptive statistics. Pairwise effect sizes (ES) were used to compare BSA groups.

RESULTS

The study included 308 patients (BSA 0%-9%: 246 [80%]; BSA ≥10%: 62 [20%]). Despite systemic therapy, both BSA groups reported the use of additional topical therapy and the presence of lesions at difficult locations. Moderate-to-severe AD (vIGA-AD®) was reported by 11% (BSA 0%-9%) and 66% (BSA ≥10%; ES = 0.56) of patients. Mean disease severity scores: total BSA (2% and 22%; ES = 3.59), EASI (1.1 and 11.1; ES = 2.60), and SCORAD (12.1 and 38.0; ES = 1.99). Mean scores for PROs: DLQI (3.7 and 7.5; ES = 0.75), and peak pruritus (2.2 and 4.5; ES = 0.81). Inadequate control of AD was seen in 27% and 53% of patients (ES = 0.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with AD experience a high disease burden despite systemic treatment for 4-12 months. This study provides potential evidence of suboptimal treatment and the need for additional effective treatment options for AD.

Topical treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema): Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition with multiple topical treatment options, but uncertain comparative effects.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to systematically synthesize the benefits and harms of AD prescription topical treatments.

METHODS

For the 2023 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters AD guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, LILACS, ICTRP, and GREAT databases to September 5, 2022, for randomized trials addressing AD topical treatments. Paired reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Random-effects network meta-analyses addressed AD severity, itch, sleep, AD-related quality of life, flares, and harms. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach informed certainty of evidence ratings. We classified topical corticosteroids (TCS) using 7 groups-group 1 being most potent. This review is registered in the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/q5m6s).

RESULTS

The 219 included trials (43,123 patients) evaluated 68 interventions. With high-certainty evidence, pimecrolimus improved 6 of 7 outcomes-among the best for 2; high-dose tacrolimus (0.1%) improved 5-among the best for 2; low-dose tacrolimus (0.03%) improved 5-among the best for 1. With moderate- to high-certainty evidence, group 5 TCS improved 6-among the best for 3; group 4 TCS and delgocitinib improved 4-among the best for 2; ruxolitinib improved 4-among the best for 1; group 1 TCS improved 3-among the best for 2. These interventions did not increase harm. Crisaborole and difamilast were intermediately effective, but with uncertain harm. Topical antibiotics alone or in combination may be among the least effective. To maintain AD control, group 5 TCS were among the most effective, followed by tacrolimus and pimecrolimus.

CONCLUSIONS

For individuals with AD, pimecrolimus, tacrolimus, and moderate-potency TCS are among the most effective in improving and maintaining multiple AD outcomes. Topical antibiotics may be among the least effective.

Systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis (eczema): Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin condition with multiple systemic treatments and uncertainty regarding their comparative impact on AD outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to systematically synthesize the benefits and harms of AD systemic treatments.

METHODS

For the 2023 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters AD guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and GREAT databases from inception to November 29, 2022, for randomized trials addressing systemic treatments and phototherapy for AD. Paired reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Random-effects network meta-analyses addressed AD severity, itch, sleep, AD-related quality of life, flares, and harms. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach informed certainty of evidence ratings. This review is registered in the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/e5sna).

RESULTS

The 149 included trials (28,686 patients with moderate-to-severe AD) evaluated 75 interventions. With high-certainty evidence, high-dose upadacitinib was among the most effective for 5 of 6 patient-important outcomes; high-dose abrocitinib and low-dose upadacitinib were among the most effective for 2 outcomes. These Janus kinase inhibitors were among the most harmful in increasing adverse events. With high-certainty evidence, dupilumab, lebrikizumab, and tralokinumab were of intermediate effectiveness and among the safest, modestly increasing conjunctivitis. Low-dose baricitinib was among the least effective. Efficacy and safety of azathioprine, oral corticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, mycophenolate, phototherapy, and many novel agents are less certain.

CONCLUSIONS

Among individuals with moderate-to-severe AD, high-certainty evidence demonstrates that high-dose upadacitinib is among the most effective in addressing multiple patient-important outcomes, but also is among the most harmful. High-dose abrocitinib and low-dose upadacitinib are effective, but also among the most harmful. Dupilumab, lebrikizumab, and tralokinumab are of intermediate effectiveness and have favorable safety.

Assessment of racial and ethnic differences of atopic dermatitis severity and treatment patterns in a diverse outpatient cohort in the United States: a retrospective observational study

Previous population-based studies in the United States found racial/ethnic differences of atopic dermatitis (AD) severity and treatment patterns. It is unclear whether these differences are from differences of disease characteristics or disparities. To examine racial/ethnic differences in severity and treatment patterns in a diverse outpatient patient cohort of AD patients (n = 833). There were no significant associations of highest-reported body surface area (BSA; Fisher's exact test, P = 0.19 and P = 0.44) or physician's global assessment (PGA; P = 0.63 and P = 0.57) with race or ethnicity; nor interactions of race/ethnicity with gender or age as predictors of BSA or PGA. Asian and multiracial/other patients were more likely than White or Black patients to use topical calcineurin inhibitors (Chi-square, P = 0.01). Dupilumab use differed by race (Multiracial/other = 35.0%; White = 20.1%; Asian = 15.7%; Black = 13.6%; Chi-square, P = 0.03), but not ethnicity (P = 0.88). Use of oral corticosteroids (Chi-square, P = 0.74), immunosuppressants (P = 0.98) or GABAergics (P = 0.16) or NBUVB (P = 0.42) did not differ by race. There were no interactions of race/ethnicity with gender or age as predictors of treatment use. Similar treatment patterns were observed across racial/ethnic groups. Though, topical calcineurin inhibitors were more commonly used in Asian and multiracial/other patients; dupilumab use was more common in multiracial/other patients.

Treatment preferences among patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis

Study purpose: New treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD) are emerging; however, little is known about the treatment preferences of patients with mild-to-moderate AD. To measure patients' preferences, a cross-sectional, web-based discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey was developed and administered to 300 adults in the United States with a self-reported physician diagnosis of mild-to-moderate AD.Materials and methods: In the DCE, respondents evaluated pairs of hypothetical AD treatment profiles defined by efficacy, risk, and mode and frequency of administration attributes. The DCE data were analyzed using a random parameters logit model. Subgroup analysis was used to investigate preference heterogeneity.Results: The results revealed achieving clear or almost clear skin within 3-4 months of treatment was the most important attribute relative to all other study attributes. The results indicated that a topical cream applied twice daily was preferred to systemic treatments. Subgroup analysis revealed that respondents with lower self-assessed disease burden were more likely to choose topical over systemic treatments and less averse to the risk of pain, burning, and/or stinging from the medicine (all other treatment features remaining equal) than respondents with higher self-assessed disease burden.Conclusion: The results of this study can help inform shared decision-making to manage mild-to-moderate AD.

Next Generation PDE4 Inhibitors that Selectively Target PDE4B/D Subtypes: A Narrative Review

For decades, topical corticosteroids have been the mainstay of treatment for mild-to-moderate inflammatory skin diseases, even though only short-term use is approved for these agents and systemic inflammation is not addressed. Increased understanding of the immunopathogenesis of these conditions, especially for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, has facilitated the development of antibody-based drugs that neutralize single key cytokines or their associated receptors, such as interleukin (IL)-17A/F, IL-23, and IL-17RA in psoriasis and IL-13 and IL-4Rα in atopic dermatitis. However, oral therapy is still preferred by many patients owing to the ease of use and needle-free administration. Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors have been approved for both oral and topical use for inflammatory skin diseases. In this review, we present a summary of an emerging class of selective PDE4B/D inhibitors under clinical development and compare the differences in selectivity of this new generation of PDE4 inhibitors with the less selective currently approved PDE4 inhibitors.

A Mini Review of the Impact of Baseline Disease Severity on Clinical Outcomes: Should We Compare Atopic Dermatitis Clinical Trials?

Based on clinical trials of systemic treatments in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) reported between 2014 and 2023, we used linear regression to investigate relationships between baseline Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores and (1) study start date, (2) EASI response, and (3) rescue medication rates. Analysis 1 was conducted with all patients from monotherapy and combination therapy trials; analyses 2 and 3 used monotherapy trial placebo arms. Across 32 trials with a baseline inclusion criterion of EASI ≥ 16, baseline mean EASI scores decreased with study start date. The lowest and highest baseline mean EASI scores were 25.1 and 33.6 (median 21.1 and 30.5), reported for the WW001 Phase 2 trial of rademikibart (formerly CBP-201; start date, July 2020) and the SOLO1 Phase 3 trial of dupilumab (start date, December 2014), respectively. In placebo arms, lower baseline EASI scores tended to be associated with greater percent reductions in EASI scores at Week 16 and less rescue medication usage. The WW001 trial placebo arm had the lowest baseline EASI score (mean 25.2; median 22.1), lowest rescue medication rate (14.3%), and a large reduction in least squares mean EASI scores (- 39.7%) at Week 16. In summary, baseline mean EASI scores have decreased across clinical trials conducted during the last decade. Less severe AD at baseline tended to be associated with greater placebo response and less use of rescue medications in placebo arms. Intertrial differences in variables, such as baseline AD severity, limit the validity of indirectly comparing clinical trials.

Upadacitinib treatment withdrawal and retreatment in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Results from a phase 2b, randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritic eczematous lesions. The effect of treatment withdrawal after response to upadacitinib oral treatment is not fully characterized.

OBJECTIVES

Assess the effect of upadacitinib withdrawal on skin clearance and itch improvement in adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD and evaluate the kinetics of recovery on rescue treatment.

METHODS

Data from a phase 2b randomized, placebo-controlled trial (NCT02925117) of upadacitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe AD were analysed. Patients were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive upadacitinib 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg or placebo, and then at Week 16, patients were re-randomized 1:1 to receive the same dose of upadacitinib (upadacitinib 30 mg for patients initialized to placebo) or placebo. From Week 20, those who experienced loss of response defined as Eczema Area and Severity Index <50% improvement from baseline (EASI 50) received rescue treatment with upadacitinib 30 mg.

RESULTS

Patients who withdrew from upadacitinib experienced a rapid loss of skin clearance response, while those who switched from placebo to upadacitinib gained response. Loss of skin clearance response occurred within 4 weeks and worsening of itch occurred within 5 days. In patients who originally received placebo or a lower dose of upadacitinib leading to a loss of EASI response, rescue treatment with upadacitinib 30 mg resulted in rapid recovery or improvement of both skin and itch responses; most patients who were re-randomized to placebo achieved EASI 75 and IGA 0/1 by 8 weeks of rescue treatment. No new safety risks were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous treatment with upadacitinib is suggested to maintain skin clearance and antipruritic effects.

Assessment of Efficacy and Safety Outcomes Beyond Week 16 in Clinical Trials of Systemic Agents Used for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Combination with Topical Corticosteroids

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease requiring efficacious and safe long-term therapy. Several new systemic treatments have recently been approved for use in patients with moderate to severe AD. However, head-to-head comparisons have not been conducted for all the currently available treatments for AD. Multiple network meta-analyses have compared efficacy of these different therapies during the initial 16-week treatment period, but not beyond week 16. Therefore, understanding the differences in key trial design and statistical methods is essential for evaluating long-term efficacy, making cross-trial comparisons, and informing treatment decisions. This focused narrative review provides an overview of data and trial methodology to guide clinicians in evaluating longer-term efficacy and safety of currently approved systemic treatments for patients with AD. We discuss important elements of longer-term trial designs and statistical analysis strategies that should be considered based on our experience as clinical trialists. In addition, a summary of key efficacy results of published, longer-term, phase III clinical trials of US Food and Drug Administration-approved, novel systemic treatments (i.e., dupilumab, tralokinumab, abrocitinib, and upadacitinib) is provided, including the design and data handling methods used. Long-term safety considerations and differences in the time-effect and safety profiles of various medications are also noted to help inform clinical decisions for individual patients. Overall, the findings of these trials support efficacy in long-term treatment with novel systemic agents for patients with AD.

Patch Testing to Chlorhexidine Digluconate, 1% Aqueous: North American Contact Dermatitis Group Experience, 2015-2020

Background: Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives: To describe the epidemiology of chlorhexidine allergy and characterize positive patch test reactions. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed patients patch tested to chlorhexidine digluconate 1% aqueous by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group, 2015-2020. Results: Of 14,731 patients tested to chlorhexidine digluconate, 107 (0.7%) had an allergic reaction; of these, 56 (52.3%) reactions were currently clinically relevant. Most (59%) reactions were mild (+), followed by strong (++, 18.7%) and very strong (+++, 6.5%). Common primary dermatitis anatomic sites in chlorhexidine-positive patients were hands (26.4%), face (24.5%), and scattered/generalized distribution (17.9%). Compared with negative patients, chlorhexidine-positive patients were significantly more likely to have dermatitis involving the trunk (11.3% vs 5.1%; P = 0.0036). The most commonly identified source category was skin/health care products (n = 41, 38.3%). Only 11 (10.3%) chlorhexidine reactions were occupationally related; of these, 81.8% were in health care workers. Conclusions: Chlorhexidine digluconate allergy is uncommon, but often clinically relevant. Involvement of the hands, face, and scattered generalized patterns was frequent. Occupationally related reactions were found predominantly in health care workers.

Association of vitiligo with multiple cutaneous and extra-cutaneous autoimmune diseases: a nationwide cross-sectional study

Previous studies found conflicting results about associations of vitiligo with different autoimmune diseases. To evaluate associations of vitiligo with multiple autoimmune diseases. A cross-sectional study representative of 612,084,148 US patients from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) 2015-2019 was performed. Vitiligo and autoimmune diseases were identified using International Classification of Diseases-10 codes. The most frequent autoimmune disorders in patients with vitiligo were type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoimmune thyroiditis, Addison's disease, and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Vitiligo was associated with any autoimmune disorder (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.45 [1.32-1.58]). Cutaneous disorders with largest effect-sizes were alopecia areata (186.22 [115.31-300.72]) and SSc (32.13 [25.28-40.82]). Non-cutaneous comorbidities with largest effect-sizes were primary sclerosing cholangitis (43.12 [18.98-97.99]), pernicious anemia (41.26 [31.66-53.78]), Addison's disease (33.85 [26.68-42.9]), and autoimmune thyroiditis (31.65 [26.34-38.02]). Vitiligo is associated with multiple cutaneous and non-cutaneous autoimmune diseases, especially in females and older age.

Tralokinumab therapy for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Clinical outcomes with targeted IL-13 inhibition

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory, intensely pruritic skin disorder associated with significant patient burden. Interleukin (IL)-13 is a cytokine that acts as a driver of immune dysregulation, skin-barrier dysfunction, and microbiome dysbiosis that characterizes AD, and is consistently overexpressed in AD skin. Tralokinumab is a fully human immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to IL-13 with high affinity, thereby inhibiting subsequent downstream IL-13 signaling. Three pivotal phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated that tralokinumab 300 mg every other week, as monotherapy or in combination with topical corticosteroids as needed, provides significant improvements in signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe AD, as measured by Investigator's Global Assessment 0/1 (clear/almost clear) and Eczema Area and Severity Index-75 at Week 16. Improvements were observed soon after tralokinumab initiation and were maintained over 52 weeks of therapy. Tralokinumab significantly improved patient-reported outcomes such as itch and sleep, and demonstrated a safety profile comparable with placebo; conjunctivitis during tralokinumab therapy was generally mild. Similar results were observed in a phase 3 adolescent trial. The role of IL-13 in the pathophysiology of AD justifies a targeted approach and a wealth of clinical data supports tralokinumab as a new therapeutic option for people with moderate-to-severe AD.

Assessing Response in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review of the Psychometric Performance of Measures Used in HTAs and Clinical Trials

INTRODUCTION

Assessing treatment response is key to determining treatment value in atopic dermatitis (AD). Currently, response is assessed using various clinician- or patient-reported measures and response criteria. This variation creates a mismatch of evidence across trials, hindering the ability of clinicians, regulators, and payers to compare the efficacy of treatments. This review identifies which measures and criteria are used to determine response in clinical trials and health technology assessments (HTAs). Moreover, it systematically reviews the psychometric performance of those measures and criteria to understand which perform best in capturing patient-relevant symptoms and treatment benefits.

METHODS

A scoping review of clinical trials and HTAs in AD identified the following measures for inclusion: the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS). A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE and Embase to identify studies testing the psychometric performance of these measures in adults or adolescents with AD.

RESULTS

A lack of consistency in the assessment of response was observed across clinical trials and HTAs. Important gaps in psychometric evidence were identified. No content validations of the EASI and IGA in AD were found, while some quantitative studies suggested that these measures fail to capture itch, a core symptom. The PP-NRS and DLQI performed well. No studies compared the performance of different response criteria.

CONCLUSION

Content validation of the PP-NRS confirmed the importance of itch as a core symptom and treatment priority in AD; however, itch is not well covered in the EASI or IGA. Including the PP-NRS in clinical trials and HTAs will better capture patient-relevant benefit and response. Although various response criteria were used, no studies compared the performance of different criteria to inform which were most appropriate to compare treatments in clinical trials and HTAs.

Patch Testing to Paraphenylenediamine: The North American Contact Dermatitis Group Experience (1994-2018)

Background/Objectives: Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is an aromatic amine dye that may cause allergic contact dermatitis. This study examines the epidemiology of allergic patch test reactions to PPD. Methods: This retrospective analysis characterizes individuals tested to PPD (1% petrolatum) by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (1994-2018). Demographics and dermatitis site(s) were compared between PPD-allergic and PPD-negative patients. PPD reactions were analyzed by reaction strength, clinical relevance, occupational relatedness, and source as well as coreactivity with structurally related compounds. Results: Of 54,917 patients tested to PPD, 3095 (5.6%) had an allergic patch test reaction. Compared with PPD-negative patients, PPD-allergic patients had significantly greater odds of age >40 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.55 [95% confidence interval; CI 1.43-1.69]) and female gender (OR 1.52 [95% CI 1.41-1.66]), but lower odds of being White (OR 0.66 [95% CI 0.60-0.71]). The most common primary anatomic sites of dermatitis were face (25.5%), hands (21.9%), and scattered/generalized pattern (15.5%). Over half (55.3%) of PPD reactions were ++ or +++ at the final reading and 60.9% were currently relevant. Common exposure sources included hair dye (73.5%) and clothing/shoes/apparel (3.9%). Occupationally related reactions occurred in 8.3%, most commonly in hairdressers/cosmetologists (72.8%). The most common coreactions were benzocaine (11.3%), N-isopropyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6.7%), disperse dye mix (6.5%), and black rubber mix (5.1%). Conclusions: The 24-year percentage of allergic reactions to PPD was 5.6%. PPD allergy was associated with female gender and age >40 years. PPD allergic patients were less likely to be White. Allergic reactions were usually clinically relevant and hair dye was the most frequently identified source.