Investigating the role of allergic contact dermatitis in residual ocular surface disease on dupilumab (ROSDD),

Dupilumab induced ocular surface diseases: an analysis of FAERS database, literature review and disease-gene interaction networks

BACKGROUND

Adverse events (AE) in dupilumab-induced ocular surface diseases (DIOSD) have raised concerns regarding its safety. The objective of this study was to evaluate DIOSD by employing database analysis and clinical case review, along with mechanism analysis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Database AE data were extracted from FAERS from 2017 Quarter 1 (Q1) to 2023 Q1. Disproportionality analyses were performed to identify the risk signals associated with DIOSD. Case reports/case series reported on DIOSD from March 2017 to June 2023 were collected for a literature review. The mechanisms of DIOSD were investigated through disease-gene interaction network analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 85 signals related to DIOSD were detected from FAERS. The most reported AE was 'dry eye' (n = 3503, ROR 20.32, 95% CI: 19.53-21.14). There were 36 articles, including 201 cases showing the evidence of DIOSD, with an average age of 43 years. About 64.18% patients suffered from severe atopic dermatitis, and 48.26% were reported with a previous ocular history. The mechanisms study suggested that tumor necrosis factor plays an important role in DIOSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support that dupilumab use is associated with exacerbation or new-onset OSD. Particular attention should be focused on eye symptoms during dupilumab use.

An expert consensus on managing dupilumab-related ocular surface disorders in people with atopic dermatitis 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin condition and affects people of all ages. New therapies, including the monoclonal antibody therapy dupilumab, offer excellent efficacy. However, in clinical trials, and emphasized in real-world observations, an unexpected increased frequency of ocular adverse effects has become apparent. The effectiveness of dupilumab and the unpredictability of ocular adverse effects mean that clinicians need guidance on counselling patients prior to treatment and on managing them if adverse effects arise. The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and Royal College of Ophthalmologists collaborated on this consensus guidance on managing dupilumab-related ocular surface disorders (DROSD). A multidisciplinary group was formed of adult and paediatric dermatologists and ophthalmologists with expertise in DROSD, patient representatives and the BAD Clinical Standards Unit. A literature search was conducted and the results reviewed. All recommendations were reviewed, discussed and voted on. The recommendations pertain to dermatology and ophthalmology management, and apply to people of all ages, unless otherwise stated. Importantly, initiation of dupilumab for AD should not be delayed for most eye disorders except acute new problems (e.g. infections) or potentially severe conditions (e.g. a history of corneal transplant; ophthalmology advice should be sought first). There is insufficient evidence to recommend lubricant drops prophylactically. Dermatologists should assess eye complaints to diagnose DROSD; a severity grading system is provided. DROSD management differs slightly in those aged < 7 years, as ocular complications may affect neuro-ocular development. Therefore, irrespectively of DROSD severity, this population should be referred for ophthalmology advice. In those aged ≥ 7 years, dermatologists should feel confident to trial treatment and reserve ophthalmology advice for severe or nonresponding cases. Discussion about dupilumab withdrawal should be prompted by a significant impact on quality of life, threat to sight, or other complications. Although dupilumab is a highly effective agent for treating AD, the risk of ocular adverse effects should not inhibit clinicians or patients from using it, but clinicians should be aware of them. If a patient develops DROSD, there are clear pathways to assess severity and offer initial management. Where this is ineffective, dermatologists should assess the urgency and seek advice from or initiate referral to ophthalmology. While the evidence reviewed for these guidelines reflects the extensive literature on dupilumab, we believe our advice has relevance for ocular surface disorders in patients with AD treated with tralokinumab and lebrikizumab.

Impact of dupilumab on patch test results and allergic contact dermatitis: A prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Limited and conflicting data have been reported on the impact of dupilumab (DUPI) on patch test (PT) results and its efficacy against allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to analyze PT reactivities and relevance during treatment with DUPI to determine whether they could detect ACD in patients with uncontrolled or worsened atopic dermatitis (AD) who were receiving this agent.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter study examined 76 DUPI-treated patients who had undergone PTs. The relevant information was collected during 3 visits.

RESULTS

Overall, 36 patients (47%) had ≥1 positive PT reaction, and 142 PT results were positive. Twenty-three patients (30%) had ≥1 positive and clinically relevant PT result. Five of them had clinical eczema improvement after allergen avoidance. We compared the PT results of 36 patients before and during DUPI therapy, representing 1230 paired PT allergens, of which 1022 were the same, 34 were positive, 44 were lost, and 130 were uninterpretable.

LIMITATIONS

Because the number of patients included remains limited, our findings should be confirmed with a larger sample.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed the usefulness of PTs for patients receiving DUPI, with good PT reproducibility. We suggest that all DUPI-treated patients with AD developing partial responses or experiencing symptom worsening should undergo PTs to look for contact sensitization.

Multicenter prospective observational study of dupilumab-induced ocular events in atopic dermatitis patients

BACKGROUND

Although ocular adverse events are frequent in AD patients treated with dupilumab, their characterization remains limited due to a lack of prospective studies with a systematic ophthalmological examination.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the incidence, characteristics and risk factors of dupilumab-induced ocular adverse events.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter, and real-life study in adult AD patients treated with dupilumab.

RESULTS

At baseline, 27 out of 181 patients (14.9%) had conjunctivitis. At week 16 (W16), 25 out of 27 had improved their conjunctivitis and 2 remained stable and 34 out of 181 patients (18.7%) had dupilumab-induced blepharoconjunctivitis: either de novo (n = 32) or worsening of underlying blepharoconjunctivitis (n = 2). Most events (27/34; 79.4%) were moderate. A multivariate analysis showed that head and neck AD (OR = 7.254; 95%CI [1.938-30.07]; p = 0.004), erythroderma (OR = 5.635; 95%CI [1.635-21.50]; p = 0.007) and the presence of dry eye syndrome at baseline (OR = 3.51; 95%CI [3.158-13.90]; p = 0.031) were independent factors associated with dupilumab-induced blepharoconjunctivitis.

LIMITATIONS

Our follow-up period was 16 weeks and some late-onset time effects may still occur.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that most dupilumab-induced blepharoconjunctivitis cases are de novo. AD severity and conjunctivitis at baseline were not found to be associated risk factors in this study.

Dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease: An interdisciplinary decision framework for prescribers in the Australian setting

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease (DAOSD) is of particular relevance in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Guidance on DAOSD assessment and management in the Australian setting is needed to reduce its impact and minimise disruption to treatment.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to identify data pertaining to the incidence, pathophysiology, risk factors and management of DAOSD. A critical review of this literature was used to inform a decision framework for dupilumab-prescribers and develop a graded severity scoring tool to guide appropriate management options.

RESULTS

DAOSD typically emerges within 4 months of commencing dupilumab and the occurrence of new events diminishes over time. The reported incidence varies widely depending on the nature and source of the data: 8.6-22.1% (clinical trials programme), 0.5-70% (real-world data; differences in study size, duration of follow-up, ophthalmologist intervention, use of prophylaxis). Occurrence increases with AD severity and in patients with prior history of ocular disease; pathophysiology is still to be fully characterised. Management options have evolved over time and include lubricants/artificial tears, corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents and antimicrobial agents. Current therapies aim to resolve symptoms or reduce severity to levels sufficiently tolerable to enable continuation of dupilumab therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations for DAOSD assessment and management include identification of high-risk patients, vigilance for red flags (keratoconus, herpetic and bacterial keratitis), regular assessment of symptom severity (before and during dupilumab therapy), conservative management of mild DAOSD by the prescribing physician and ophthalmologist referral for collaborative care of moderate-severe DAOSD and high-risk patients.

Characterising the chronicity of dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease: an analysis of a retrospective case series

Background/aims

To describe the clinical presentation and treatment response of dupilumab-associated ocular surface disease (DAOSD).

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of atopic dermatitis patients with DAOSD treated with dupilumab. All consecutive patients with atopic dermatitis referred by dermatologists for suspicion of DAOSD between May 2018 and June 2020 were systemically assessed by a single ophthalmologist. Presenting signs of DAOSD, duration of treatment and associated response are described.

Results

Twenty-eight patients had DAOSD during the study period. Average age was 45.6±14.8 years and 13 (46%) were female. Average follow-up was 15±10 months. Most presentations consisted in diffuse, inflammatory conjunctivitis (n=19, 68%). Other signs included peripheral corneal infiltrates (n=7, 25%), limbal nodules (n=7, 25%) and dry eye syndrome (n=6, 21%). To control ocular symptoms, tapering of corticosteroid eyedrops was slow: taper duration of strong and mild corticosteroid eyedrops averaged 10±8 weeks and 49±34 weeks, respectively. Four patients (14%) required an increase of corticosteroid eyedrops during taper due to clinical deterioration. Corticosteroid eyedrops were still required at final follow-up among 10 patients (36%). Dupilumab was temporarily stopped in 3 patients (11%), one of which did not wish to resume dupilumab for unrelated reasons. Symptomatic improvement and/or complete resolution was achieved in 25/26 patients at follow-up (96%) with empirical treatment.

Conclusions

DAOSD may follow the course of a chronic illness. Long-term corticosteroid eyedrops were required in many patients and when taper was possible, this was done after a prolonged treatment duration. Most patients’ ocular symptoms could be controlled, allowing dupilumab continuation.

Dupilumab-induced ocular surface disease: a primer

The management of atopic diseases has been revolutionised by precision therapies and biological drugs that target specific immune proteins. This report elucidates a unique complication from the use of the monoclonal antibody, dupilumab, that primary care providers and subspecialists need to be aware of. A patient in her 40s consulted us for severe atopic asthma, food allergy and eczema involving the face and body. She had previously failed treatments and was started on dupilumab (which binds to the interleukin-4 [IL4] receptor and inhibits both IL-4 and IL-13). She quickly achieved remission of asthma, rhinitis and eczema. Therapy was, however, complicated by severe blepharoconjunctivitis, dry eyes and periorbital dermatitis, consistent with dupilumab-induced ocular surface disease and dupilumab-associated mucin deficiency. Following aggressive treatment of ocular disease, the patient was able to continue dupilumab injections for asthma and eczema. It is presumed that dupilumab-induced cytokine imbalance results in ocular goblet cell dysfunction, mucin deficiency and ocular disease.

Management of inadequate response and adverse effects to dupilumab in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus, skin pain, and sleep disturbances. Currently, dupilumab is the only systemic therapy and biologic medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for moderate-to-severe AD in adults and children. There is a sparsity of literature available on determining treatment failure with dupilumab and the next steps health care providers can take to treat AD. Individual goals and quality of life and not just body surface area should be considered when defining treatment failure. Possible confounding dermatoses also should be ruled out. Early identification of dupilumab-induced adverse events is important. For most patients, dupilumab can be continued while treatment for the adverse event is initiated. Adjusting the frequency of dupilumab dosing also may be considered in some circumstances. Adjuvant therapies, such as methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, or phototherapy can be added but the safety and efficacy of these combination treatments are not known at this time.

Dupilumab-associated ocular manifestations: A review of clinical presentations and management

Dupilumab is a first-in-class biologic approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for the treatment of multiple atopic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. Since gaining traction as an effective treatment modality, multiple reports have highlighted the many ocular side effects associated with dupilumab usage. These range from mild diseases such as conjunctivitis, dry eyes, and blepharitis, to more severe manifestations such as intraocular inflammation and cicatrising conjunctivitis. The pathogenesis behind these manifestations remains controversial but are likely multi-factorial. We review the current evidence surrounding ocular manifestations of dupilumab-associated disease and proposed treatments to provide an overview of this unique disease entity. With increasing usage of dupilumab, formal recommendations regarding the treatment of dupilumab-associated ocular disease are warranted to provide standardised clinical guidance. Furthermore, it is important for healthcare practitioners to remain abreast with existing literature to adequately counsel and empower patients with the knowledge surrounding contemporary treatments for atopic diseases and their associated side-effects.

Dupilumab ocular side effects in patients with atopic dermatitis: a systematic review

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder that most frequently occurs in children, but it can also affect adults. Even though most AD cases can be managed with topical treatments, moderate-to-severe forms require systemic therapies. Dupilumab is the first human monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of AD. Its action is through IL-4 receptor alpha subunit inhibition, thus blocking IL-4 and IL-13 signaling pathways. It has been shown to be an effective, well tolerated therapy for AD, as well as for asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). However, an increasing incidence of Dupilumab-induced ocular surface disease (DIOSD) has been reported in patients treated with Dupilumab, as compared to placebo. The aim of this study was to summarize scientific data regarding DIOSD in AD patients treated with Dupilumab. A search of PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov databases was performed. There was no limit to study design. All AD cases were moderate-to-severe. DIOSD was either dermatologist-, allergist-, or ophtalmologist-assessed. Evidence shows that DIOSD occurs most frequently in patients with atopic dermatitis and not in other skin conditions, neither in patients with asthma, CRSwNP, nor EoE who are on Dupilumab treatment. Further studies are warranted in order to establish a causal relationship between Dupilumab and ocular surface disease. Nevertheless, ophtalmological evaluations prior to Dupilumab initiation can benefit AD patients with previous ocular pathology or current ocular symptomatology. Also, patch testing for ocular allergic contact dermatitis might be advantageous in patients with a history of allergic conjunctivitis. Furthermore, TARC, IgE and circulating eosinophils levels might be important biomarkers for a baseline assessment of future candidates to Dupilumab treatment. However, TARC measurements should be resumed for research purposes only.

Characterization of Residual Facial Dermatitis during Dupilumab Therapy: A Retrospective Chart Review to Delineate the Potential Role of Expanded Series Patch Testing

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the incidence of RFDD in patients receiving dupilumab and the rate of resolution of RFDD after expanded series patch testing (ESPT) and allergen avoidance.

METHODS

This is a retrospective chart review of 80 patients with atopic dermatitis who were evaluated for RFDD after treatment with dupilumab. Expanded series patch testing findings and response to allergen avoidance were assessed in the subset of patients with RFDD who subsequently underwent ESPT while continuing to receive dupilumab.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients (61.3%) experienced facial dermatitis before initiating dupilumab. Thirty-five patients (43.8%) experienced RFDD after starting dupilumab. Of the 14 patients with RFDD who received ESPT, 92.9% had 1 or more relevant positive patch test results, with 50% of such patients being mostly to completely clear of facial dermatitis after allergen avoidance. Importantly, 50.6% of the positive reactions to allergens were not included on the North American Contact Dermatitis Group Core 80.

CONCLUSIONS

Many patients with RFDD benefit from patch testing and subsequent allergen avoidance. Expanded series patch testing should be offered to patients who experience RFDD after beginning dupilumab therapy to ensure that such patients have eliminated any exogenous component of their dermatitis, such as concomitant allergic contact dermatitis.

Dupilumab Facial Redness/Dupilumab Facial Dermatitis: A Guide for Clinicians

Dupilumab facial redness (DFR), or the development of an eczematous rash of the face and neck with dupilumab use, has been observed in recent case reports. It is estimated to impact between 4 and 43.8% of dupilumab users, including children and adults. Aside from reviewing the pathogenesis and clinical presentation, we present potential diagnostic steps (such as skin scraping, serologies, biopsy, and patch testing) and management options for DFR ranging from allergen avoidance to dupilumab interruption. It is hoped that this article will serve as a means for clinicians to familiarize themselves with DFR regarding the differential diagnosis, diagnostic tools, and treatment options associated with this phenomenon.

Biologics and Small Molecule Inhibitors: an Update in Therapies for Allergic and Immunologic Skin Diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Biologics and small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) are a rapidly growing class of highly efficacious therapies in the treatment of chronic immunologic and allergic conditions. With precision targeting of inflammatory signaling molecules, these new agents selectively modulate the immune system to treat a variety of conditions. Dermatologic diseases, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, are of particular interest due to the growing number of new biologics and SMIs in recent years. This review serves to summarize and evaluate the recent literature regarding biologics and SMIs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Currently approved biologics for AD achieve clear or almost clear skin in less than 40% of patients treated. Several biologics that are still under investigation for AD have shown better efficacy in phase III trials with similar safety profiles. Recently approved SMIs for AD also demonstrate a high degree of efficacy, but safety profiles may limit their use. Psoriasis has several highly efficacious biologics on the market; however, only one SMI is currently available. Additional SMIs for psoriasis have completed phase III trials and demonstrated high efficacy. This article evaluates recent literature on biologics and small molecule inhibitors for AD and psoriasis.

New insights on ocular surface disease in patients with atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab

Our study sought to describe ocular surface alterations at baseline and after 4 months of dupilumab treatment in patients with severe AD. Our findings highlight that all 25 patients showed ocular surface alterations prior to dupilumab treatment. Dupilumab may cause the worsening of clinical or subclinical pre-existing ocular alterations belonging to the spectrum of AKC.

Conjunctivitis in Dupilumab Clinical Trials for Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis or Asthma

BACKGROUND

Conjunctivitis is a known comorbidity of atopic dermatitis. Dupilumab clinical trials for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults showed a higher conjunctivitis incidence for dupilumab-treated patients than placebo-treated patients, whereas trials for uncontrolled asthma reported lower rates for both dupilumab and placebo.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of conjunctivitis in dupilumab clinical trials in adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis or uncontrolled asthma.

METHODS

We evaluated the incidence of conjunctivitis in adolescents (aged 12 to < 18 years) in three phase III trials. Ocular events were diagnosed and treated based on patient-reported symptoms and an external eye examination by study investigators, in most cases without an ophthalmologic referral. In LIBERTY AD ADOL (16-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial), adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis were randomized to subcutaneous placebo, dupilumab 300 mg every 4 weeks, or dupilumab every 2 weeks (200 mg, patients < 60 kg at baseline; 300 mg, ≥ 60 kg at baseline). In LIBERTY AD PED-OLE (open-label extension), pediatric patients from previous dupilumab atopic dermatitis trials received dupilumab 2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg weekly (up to 300 mg) or 300 mg every 4 weeks. In LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST (randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial), patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma were randomized to 52 weeks of add-on therapy with dupilumab 200 or 300 mg every 2 weeks or matched-volume placebo.

RESULTS

In ADOL, more dupilumab-treated (17/165; 10.3%) than placebo-treated patients (4/85; 4.7%) reported one or more conjunctivitis event. All events were mild to moderate in severity; 12 (7.3%) dupilumab-treated and 4 (4.7%) placebo-treated patients received treatment. Most patients with conjunctivitis (dupilumab, 12/17; placebo, 4/4) recovered/resolved during the treatment period. The risk of conjunctivitis showed no relationship with dupilumab serum concentration. In PED-OLE, 12/275 adolescents (4.4%) reported one or more conjunctivitis event. Most conjunctivitis events were mild to moderate. Ten patients received treatment for conjunctivitis. Ten patients recovered/resolved during the study. In QUEST, similar low proportions of dupilumab-treated (2/68, 2.9%) and placebo-treated (1/39, 2.6%) adolescents reported one or more conjunctivitis event. All events were mild to moderate. One dupilumab-treated patient received treatment for conjunctivitis. All cases recovered/resolved during the study. No patients in these trials discontinued study treatment temporarily or permanently because of conjunctivitis. In ADOL, one case of unspecified viral keratitis (specific viral etiology not known) in the dupilumab 300-mg every 4 weeks group and one case of allergic blepharitis in the placebo group were reported; both events resolved during the treatment period, and neither led to treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Dupilumab-treated adolescents in atopic dermatitis trials had a higher incidence of conjunctivitis than placebo-treated patients, whereas overall rates of conjunctivitis among adolescents in the asthma trial were lower than in atopic dermatitis trials and were similar for dupilumab- and placebo-treated patients. Most events were mild to moderate, most recovered/resolved, and none prompted study withdrawal. These results are similar to those reported in adult trials and support a drug-disease interaction. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV IDENTIFIERS

NCT03054428, NCT02612454, NCT02414854. Conjunctivitis in Dupilumab Clinical Trials for Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis or Asthma (MP4 18453 kb).

Ocular surface disease associated with dupilumab treatment for atopic diseases

Dupilumab is the first US FDA approved biologic for treatment of atopic dermatitis. It is a human monoclonal antibody which blocks the shared receptor component, the interleukin (IL)-4α subunit, of IL-4 and IL-13 signaling pathways. Occurrence of "conjunctivitis", mostly in atopic dermatitis trials, has been the main side effect reported thus far. The etiology of "conjunctivitis" associated with dupilumab treatment is unclear and might be similar to atopic keratoconjunctivitis. There is evidence in the published literature that unlike the Th2-like profile in vernal keratoconjunctivitis, Th1-mediated inflammation is predominant in atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Blocking the Th2 pathway with dupilumab therapy might result in a shift towards Th1, causing the ocular findings associated with dupilumab. In addition, blockage of IL-13 might have implications with regards to mucin production and ocular surface health. This review highlights the clinical manifestations, reviews treatment options and offers explanations for pathogenesis of this ocular surface diseases associated with dupilumab treatment.