Dry eye disease prevalence increased in patients with atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab
There is an increase in the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) among patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) who were treated with dupilumab for 6 months, according to a study. However, no severe ocular side effects were observed, and none of the patients in the study discontinued treatment.
The prospective case-control study included a total of 36 patients with moderate-to-severe AD treated with dupilumab and 36 healthy subjects as the control group. The researchers collected data on DED prevalence, the Ocular Surface Disease Index, tear film breakup time test, osmolarity, Oxford staining score, and Schirmer test results at baseline, as well as at 1 month and 6 months after dupilumab therapy. The severity of AD was assessed using the Eczema Area and Severity Index at baseline. Ocular side effects and any discontinuation of dupilumab were also recorded.
In the dupilumab group, the prevalence of DED increased from 16.7% at baseline to 33.3% at 6 months. There was no significant change in DED prevalence among the control group. At the 6-month mark, the Ocular Surface Disease Index and Oxford staining score showed an increase in the dupilumab group. The tear film breakup time test and Schirmer test results showed a decrease in the dupilumab group, while remaining stable in the control group. Osmolarity did not show significant changes in either the dupilumab group or the control group.
At the 6-month mark after dupilumab therapy, 42% of the patients in the study experienced conjunctivitis, 36% had blepharitis, and 2.8% developed keratitis. Notably, no severe side effects were reported, and none of the patients discontinued dupilumab.
The study did not find any association between the severity of AD, as measured by the Eczema Area and Severity Index, and the prevalence of DED.
Reference
Marolo P, Ribero S, Caselgrandi P, et al. Ocular Surface Disease in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis Treated With Dupilumab: A Prospective Case-Control Study. Cornea. 2023;doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003341. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37404010.
