Dupilumab Treatment Leads to Rapid and Consistent Improvement of Atopic Dermatitis in All Anatomical Regions in Patients Aged 6 Months to 5 Years

IntroductionAtopic dermatitis (AD) is heterogeneous in distribution pattern and clinical features. This analysis assessed the effect of dupilumab on the extent and severity of AD across various signs (erythema, edema/papulation, excoriation, lichenification) in different anatomical regions (head and neck, trunk, upper extremities, lower extremities) in patients aged 6 months to 5 years.MethodsIn LIBERTY AD PRESCHOOL, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III clinical trial, children aged 6 months to 5 years with moderate-to-severe AD were randomized 1:1 to subcutaneous dupilumab or placebo with concomitant low-potency topical corticosteroids (TCS) every 4 weeks for 16 weeks. Changes in AD signs across anatomical regions were assessed using unweighted Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) body region scores.ResultsOverall, 162 patients were randomized to dupilumab (n=83) or placebo (n=79). A significant improvement in least squares mean EASI area score was seen by week 2 in all four anatomical regions (P<0.0001 for dupilumab vs. placebo) and sustained throughout treatment. Least squares mean EASI sign scores in erythema, excoriations, and infiltration/papulation showed significant improvement by week 2 in all regions (P<0.001), while lichenification showed significant improvement in all regions by week 4 (P<0.001).ConclusionDupilumab use with concomitant low-potency TCS treatment resulted in rapid and consistent improvement in AD signs in all anatomical regions, in patients aged 6 months to 5 years with moderate-to-severe AD.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03346434 Part B.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effect of dupilumab on the extent and severity of atopic dermatitis in different anatomical regions. The results showed that dupilumab treatment resulted in significant improvement in AD signs, including erythema, excoriations, infiltration/papulation, and lichenification, in all anatomical regions.