# Dupilumab in Elderly Patients with Atopic Dermatitis—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

## TL;DR

This study reviews and analyzes the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab for treating atopic dermatitis in elderly patients.

## Contribution

The study provides the first systematic review and meta-analysis of dupilumab's use specifically in elderly patients with atopic dermatitis.

## Key findings

- Dupilumab significantly reduced disease severity, pruritus, and quality of life impairment in elderly patients with AD.
- Previous treatment with cyclosporin A and the generalized-prurigo phenotype were associated with poorer treatment outcomes.
- Common adverse events included conjunctivitis, injection site reactions, and facial flushing.

## Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritic eczematous lesions that significantly alter quality of life of patients. Dupilumab, a new biologic agent, has demonstrated efficacy and safety in the general adult population with AD. However, evidence on its use in elderly patients is limited. Objectives: The objective of this work was to systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in patients aged ≥60 years with AD, based on published data. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PICO(S) framework. Articles written in English and published before 31 December 2024 that investigated patients ≥ 60 years with AD treated with dupilumab were included. Meta-analysis of the observational studies was performed using a random-effects model with subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Results: Twenty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. After 16 weeks of treatment, dupilumab significantly reduced disease severity (EASI: 21.8; 95% CI: 18.3–25.2), intensity of pruritus (P-NRS: 5.8; 95% CI: 4.2–7.3), and quality of life impairment (DLQI: 11.3; 95% CI: 6.1–16.5); all p < 0.001. Meta-regression revealed previous treatment with cyclosporin A as a predictor of a poorer response to treatment. The generalized-prurigo phenotype was associated with worse control of pruritus. The most common adverse events were conjunctivitis, injection site reactions, and facial flushing. Conclusions: Dupilumab appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for AD in elderly patients. More research is warranted to evaluate its long-term effectiveness and safety in this age group.