Real-world treatment outcomes of systemic treatments for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children aged less than 12 years: 2-year results from PEDIatric STudy in Atopic Dermatitis

Background: The arrival of biologics and small-molecule therapies (eg Janus kinase inhibitors) changed atopic dermatitis treatment, but older systemic treatments continue to be prescribed. Objective: To provide real-world effectiveness, safety, and adherence data for dupilumab, cyclosporine, and methotrexate. Methods: PEDIatric STudy in Atopic Dermatitis (NCT03687359) is a real-world, prospective, observational, 10-year study of children (<12 years) with inadequately controlled moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. We report 2-year interim results. Results: Median treatment durations were 8.1, 13.0, and 10.7 months for dupilumab (n = 144), methotrexate (n = 114), and cyclosporine (n = 121), respectively. Dupilumab had numerically greater within-group improvements than methotrexate and cyclosporine in Eczema Area and Severity Index (−12.4∗ vs −5.7∗ and −3.3); body surface area affected (−19.9%∗ vs −11.8%∗ and −8.8%∗); itching (night-time: −2.1∗ vs −0.4 and + 0.1; daytime: −1.5∗ vs +0.1 and + 0.2; ≥6 years); itching/scratching (−3.6∗ vs −1.4∗ and −0.2; <6 years); and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (−7.0∗ vs −4.7∗ and −1.5) (∗P < .05 within-group improvements from baseline). Dupilumab had less discontinuations (8.3% vs 28.9% and 43.0%) and adverse event(s) (18.1% vs 29.8% and 31.4%). Limitations: No randomization, placebo, or specified dosages. Conclusion: Dupilumab was associated with numerically greater outcomes and higher adherence than cyclosporine or methotrexate.