Non-topical management of recalcitrant paediatric atopic dermatitis

Narrative review on the management of moderate-severe atopic dermatitis in pediatric age of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP), of the Italian Society of Pediatric Dermatology (SIDerP) and of the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP)

Currently, there are a few detailed guidelines on the overall management of children and adolescents with moderate-severe atopic dermatitis. AD ​​is a complex disease presenting with different clinical phenotypes, which require an individualized and multidisciplinary approach. Therefore, appropriate interaction between primary care pediatricians, pediatric allergists, and pediatric dermatologists is crucial to finding the best management strategy. In this manuscript, members of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP), the Italian Society of Pediatric Dermatology (SIDerP), and the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP) with expertise in the management of moderate-severe atopic dermatitis have reviewed the latest scientific evidence in the field. This narrative review aims to define a pathway to appropriately managing children and adolescents with moderate-severe atopic dermatitis.

Patient Journey in Atopic Dermatitis: The Real-World Scenario

Introduction

The diagnosis and management of atopic dermatitis (AD) is extensively addressed in detailed clinical guidelines. However, the high heterogeneity regarding presentation and progression and the increasingly broad therapeutic landscape suggest a complex real-world scenario, leading to multiple trajectories of AD patients.

Methods

Using a Delphi methodology for assessing the degree of consensus, we explored the views of a panel of dermatologists regarding the patients’ trajectory through the diagnosis (block 1), treatment (block 2), and long-term management (block 3) of AD. Based on a systematic search of the literature, a scientific committee prepared a questionnaire of relevant items that were rated on a 10-point scale (from “totally agree” to “totally disagree”) by a panel of dermatologists attending patients with AD in the hospital setting. Consensus was established based on predefined rules.

Results

The final questionnaire included 58 items and was answered by 17 dermatologists. Overall, consensus was reached on 22 items (37.9%), each of which was a consensus for agreement. The consensus rates in blocks 1, 2, and 3 were 22.7%, 19.0%, and 86%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our analysis revealed a remarkable lack of consensus on various aspects of the routine diagnosis and treatment of AD. These findings suggest the presence of unmet needs or limited implementation of guidelines for the management of AD and encourage further research to explore the causes of this low consensus on the management of AD in the real-world setting.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-021-00592-y.

Dupilumab for children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis: An Asian perspective

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease. Poorly controlled AD can lead to reduced quality of life (QoL) and psychosocial impairment. Dupilumab is the first approved monoclonal antibody targeting type 2 inflammation, for adolescent and adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD. We performed a retrospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in a cohort of Asian children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD. Clinical response was documented with investigator global assessment (IGA) and eczema area and severity index (EASI) scores. Improvement in QoL was assessed using child dermatology life quality index (CDLQI) or Teenager's quality of life (T-QoL), and caregivers' QoL was assessed using dermatitis family impact (DFI) questionnaire. Twelve patients were recruited, aged between 6 to 18 years of age (mean 13.3 years), with mean duration of AD of 9.8 years. At baseline, the mean IGA score was four and the mean EASI was 48.2. The mean T-QoL and DFI scores at baseline were 18.7 and 19.6, respectively. After 12 to 16 weeks of treatment, the mean IGA score decreased to 2.2. The mean EASI decreased to 19.3 with mean reduction of 28.9. The mean T-QoL decreased to 7.5 with mean reduction of 11.2, and the mean DFI decreased to 8.6 with mean reduction of 11. Adverse events included mild conjunctivitis in two patients and paradoxical head and neck erythema in one patient. Our study supports dupilumab as an effective and safe treatment option for Asian children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD.

Pharmacological management of atopic dermatitis in the elderly

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in geriatric populations of industrialized countries is currently estimated at 3-4% and continues to increase. AD is associated with significant morbidity, increased susceptibility to infection, and symptoms of pruritus and pain. Treatments may negatively affect elderly patients; thus, plans should be optimized for this population.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes treatment options for AD in the elderly. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the key terms atopic dermatitis, elderly, geriatric, systemic therapy, therapy, and topical therapy in PubMed. Searches yielded articles on skincare management and topical and systemic pharmacotherapies.

EXPERT OPINION

Proper use of moisturizer is crucial in all patients with AD. Topical corticosteroids are commonly prescribed; however, they carry an increased risk of adverse events such as skin atrophy. Systemic corticosteroids should be avoided in elderly patients due to questionable efficacy and increased adverse events. Topical calcineurin inhibitors and crisaborole are similarly efficacious with an excellent safety profile. Cyclosporine, azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil are systemic agents available for the treatment of refractory AD; however, insufficient data exist to indicate the superiority of any one agent. Dupilumab is a safe and efficacious injectable therapy in elderly patients.

Topical and Oral Therapies for Childhood Atopic Dermatitis and Plaque Psoriasis

Background: Treatment of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in children is difficult due to lack of standardized treatment guidelines and few FDA-approved treatment options. Treatments approved for adults may be used off-label in pediatric patients. Objective: This review evaluates the topical and oral treatment options available, including off-label uses, and provides a basic therapeutic guideline for pediatric atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Methods: A PubMed review of topical and systemic treatments for pediatric psoriasis and atopic dermatitis with information regarding age, efficacy, dosing, contra-indications, adverse events, and off-label treatments. Results: The search identified seven topical and five systemic treatments that are routinely employed to treat pediatric atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Limitations: Standardized guidelines regarding treatment choice, dosing, and long-term safety are scarce. Reviews may be subject to ascertainment bias. Conclusions: Current treatment guidelines are based on clinical experience and expert advice with few treatments officially approved for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in children.

Current therapeutic paradigm in pediatric atopic dermatitis: Practical guidance from a national expert panel

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common cutaneous inflammatory disease in both adults and children. Although emerging therapeutic approaches are being investigated for the management of pediatric AD, it still needs to be managed with conventional treatments. This consensus document is aimed at providing an update on general management and therapies of pediatric AD, defining practical recommendations for using both topical and systemic agents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A panel of experts consisting of dermatologists and pediatricians were convened in order to define statements, through a Delphi process, standardizing the management of AD in pediatric subjects in a real-world setting.

RESULTS

A set of practical recommendations obtaining an at least 75% agreement was presented.

CONCLUSIONS

This set of practical recommendations represents a simple and fast snapshot on the pediatric use of common anti-AD therapeutics.

An update on the topical and oral therapy options for treating pediatric atopic dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common childhood skin disorders. Multiple mechanisms contribute to the pathology of AD and treatment approaches are directed at these processes.

AREAS COVERED

The purpose of this review is to discuss the chemical treatment options for pediatric atopic dermatitis, including immunomodulators and small molecule inhibitors. A systematic literature search was conducted, and publications were reviewed for applicable treatment guidelines.

EXPERT OPINION

Topical therapy is first-line for pediatric atopic dermatitis. Providers should work closely with patients and caregivers to promote the success of topical treatments. In disease refractory to topical treatments, systemic agents may be considered. Clinical trials are ongoing for the use of biologics in the treatment of pediatric AD. When choosing the most appropriate treatment, physicians should consider the drug efficacy, potential adverse effects, patient adherence, and quality of life for both patients and caregivers. Additional studies are required to determine the safest and most effective doses for systemic therapy in childhood AD.

Successful Treatment of Severe Atopic Dermatitis with Calcitriol and Paricalcitol in an 8-Year-Old Girl

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting children and adolescence. The traditional therapeutic options for AD, including emollients topically and immune modulatory agents systemically focusing on reducing skin inflammation and restoring the function of the epidermal barrier, are proven ineffective in many cases. Several studies have linked vitamin D supplementation with either a decreased risk to develop AD or a clinical improvement of the symptoms of AD patients. In this report, we present a girl with severe AD who under adequate supplementation with cholecalciferol was treated with calcitriol and subsequently with paricalcitol. She had significant improvement—almost healing of her skin lesions within 2 months, a result sustained for more than 3 years now. Because of hypercalciuria as a side effect from calcitriol therapy, treatment was continued with paricalcitol, a vitamin D analogue used in secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease. Calcitriol therapy may be considered as a safe and efficacious treatment option for patients with severe AD, particularly for those with refractory AD, under monitoring for possible side effects. Treatment with paricalcitol resolves hypercalciuria, is safe, and should be further investigated as an alternative treatment of atopic dermatitis and possibly other diseases of autoimmune origin.