Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab in Chinese Elderly Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Real-World Study

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> With the aging of the population in China, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is high in elderly patients. These patients usually have more comorbidities and they need more effective and safer treatments. Dupilumab is an anti-interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor monoclonal antibody which was approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe AD. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Elderly patients (60 years or older) with moderate-to-severe AD who treated with dupilumab were included. Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS), EASI-50, EASI-75, and EASI-50 were evaluated. The efficacy in subgroups was also investigated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Fifty-eight patients were enrolled. The EASI score and PP-NRS score were significantly reduced at weeks 4, 16, 28, and 52. 91.2% and 79.4% of the patients achieved EASI-50 and EASI-75 at week 16, respectively. 95.8% and 87.5% patients achieved EASI-50 and EASI-75 at week 52, respectively. Adverse events were reported in 10 (17.2%) patients, and no severe adverse event was reported. Male, older age, and moderate AD (EASI &lt;21) were related to better efficacy. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This study demonstrated that dupilumab is effective and safe in elderly patients with AD.