HealthCert Blog

What factors are associated with the development of conjunctivitis in patients treated with dupilumab for atopic dermatitis? Clinical trials of dupilumab for atopic dermatitis have reported an increased incidence of conjunctivitis in patients who received dupilumab compared with those who received placebo.

A study sought to describe the characteristics of patients who develop conjunctivitis secondary to dupilumab treatment for atopic dermatitis.

The study looked at 12 adults in whom conjunctivitis developed during dupilumab treatment for atopic dermatitis. Seven were male and the average age was 30. Patients received a 600-mg injection of dupilumab as a loading dose and a 300-mg injection every two weeks thereafter.

Nine had severe atopic dermatitis at baseline. Severe conjunctivitis was seen only in patients with severe atopic dermatitis at baseline and in those with another atopic condition in addition to atopic dermatitis.

This study suggests that baseline atopic dermatitis severity and history of atopic conditions should be considered when stratifying the risk for conjunctivitis development secondary to dupilumab administration for patients with atopic dermatitis.

Conjunctivitis that develops after administration of dupilumab to treat atopic dermatitis may be severe enough to necessitate stopping therapy. Severe conjunctivitis was more likely to develop in patients with more severe baseline atopic dermatitis who had a good response to dupilumab and an increased atopic phenotype.

However, studies are needed to confirm risk factors associated with development of conjunctivitis and to determine effective treatment.

Read more recent research on atopic dermatitis.

Source: Treister AD, Kraff-Cooper C, Lio PA. Risk Factors for Dupilumab-Associated Conjunctivitis in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(10):1208–1211. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.2690

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