Effect of Dupilumab on Depression in Asthma with Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis in the Japanese Population

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Psychological disorders, such as depression, are markedly prevalent in patients with airway diseases. In this study, we assessed the effect of treatment with dupilumab, an IL-4 receptor α chain antibody, on depressive symptoms in a cohort of patients with asthma with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The study participants, diagnosed with asthma and ECRS, were assessed for symptoms and quality of life (QOL) scores for asthma and ECRS and medications. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores were used to evaluate the depressive state. The depressive symptoms were compared with asthma and ECRS symptoms both at the time of initiation and after 4 months of dupilumab treatment. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Ultimately, 31 patients were included in the study. Most patients demonstrated a depressive state that was correlated with the nasal symptom score. In the evaluation 4 months after dupilumab treatment, the PHQ-9 score was significantly reduced, and the decrease was remarkable in patients whose nasal symptom score was reduced by 50% or more. Additionally, the PHQ-9 scores in patients with improved nasal and asthma symptoms were significantly reduced. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Dupilumab may improve QOL in patients with bronchial asthma with ECRS by reducing depressive symptoms through the improvement of clinical symptoms.