Atopic Dermatitis

BERLIN – A novel regulatory T cell–stimulating therapy appears to significantly improve atopic dermatitis in patients with moderate to severe disease and may even benefit quality of life, suggest results from a phase 1b trial.

The research was presented at the annual congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

More than 40 patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two dosages of a highly selective recombinant interleukin (IL)-2 conjugate, rezpegaldesleukin, or placebo for 12 weeks, after which responders were observed out to 48 weeks. The higher dosage was associated with significant improvements in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) scores, which were maintained over the course of the study, as well as trends for improved patient-reported outcomes.

“This is the first study to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of rezpegaldesleukin,” said presenter Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, MPH, professor of dermatology and director of clinical research at George Washington University, Washington. He added, “These may be some of the most compelling data to date for the field, proving that, at a high level, if you causally increase regulator T cells, you will take down inflammation and improve a disease state.

“For me, this is proof of concept for so many things, and it gets me very excited.”

Dr. Silverberg noted that with the response maintained out to 48 weeks, despite stopping therapy at week 12, the “hope” with the approach of inducing regulator T cells “is that we could induce tolerance and that we could have some potential for disease modification.”

He continued, “Maybe I daren’t use the word ‘cure,’ but can we at least get to something that is truly remitted, where they can stop the drug and maintain that response?”

Dr. Silverberg said rezpegaldesleukin is now being evaluated in a phase 2b study for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, and a phase 2b trial for alopecia areata is in development.

Tiago dos Reis Matos, MD, PhD, MSc, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, who was not involved in the study, told this news organization that “recombinant human interleukin-2 is an original therapy.”

Instead of blocking or inhibiting inflammation, it stimulates the patient’s immune system to “restore a healthy balance.”

He explained that it “stimulates regulatory T cells, which can be seen as the Peace Corps of the immune system, responsible for maintaining the equilibrium and avoiding uncontrolled inflammation.”

At the meeting, Dr. Silverberg told the audience that although they are the “beneficiaries of riches of new advances” in atopic dermatitis, “still, many observational studies have shown that the majority of patients do not achieve adequate control by the end of their induction periods and clinical trials, in the real world,” with currently available treatments.

Moreover, “there are challenges that come up with any of the different therapies,” he said, with adverse effects an important issue. For example, biologic therapies are associated with conjunctivitis, facial erythema, and arthralgia, and there are boxed warnings for Janus kinase inhibitors.

Dr. Silverberg continued, “Even patients with a favorable response can experience a loss of disease control when they come off therapy.” Consequently, “new strategies are certainly welcome that could potentially induce both deep and potentially therapy-free remission.”

To those ends, he explained that regulatory T cells play a central role in immune homeostasis but have not been “therapeutically relevant until very recently,” when it was posited that increasing their function can “induce that homeostasis, to normalize the inflammatory cascades” seen in a range of conditions, including atopic dermatitis.

Rezpegaldesleukin has high selectivity for regulatory T cells, without causing activation of effector T cells, and has been shown to increase cell numbers in a dose-dependent manner that is sustained for up to 30 days.

The current study involved patients aged 18-70 years with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and a history of inadequate responses or intolerance to topical medications, and an EASI score ≥ 16.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous rezpegaldesleukin 12 mcg/kg or 24 mcg/kg or placebo every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. They then discontinued treatment and were followed up until week 19, when responders, defined as having a reduction in EASI score ≥ 50%, continued follow-up out to week 48.

Seventeen patients were randomized to higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin, whereas 16 received the lower dose and 10 were assigned to placebo. Dr. Silverberg said that the three groups were “fairly well balanced,” with “fairly good representation” across age, race, and ethnicity groups.

The mean baseline EASI score was between 21.9 and 23.7, and the Validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD) suggested that there was an even split between moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, although the higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin group had more patients with moderate disease.

By week 12, rezpegaldesleukin was associated with significantly greater improvements in EASI scores vs. placebo. Patients on the higher dose had a mean 83% improvement over baseline vs. 65% with the lower dose and 47% with placebo (P = .002 for the higher dose vs. placebo).

Crucially, these differences were maintained up to week 48 in patients, particularly in the higher-dose group.

There was also a nonsignificant increase in the proportion of patients who achieved a reduction in EASI scores ≥ 75% over baseline with the active drug: 41% at week 12 with higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin, 25% with the lower dose, and 20% with placebo. Again, the benefit was maintained up to week 48.

The mean improvement in BSA score from baseline with rezpegaldesleukin was significantly greater than that seen with placebo, at 72% with the higher dose, 55% with the lower dose, and 36% with placebo (P = .0158 for the higher dose vs. placebo).

Although improvements in vIGA-AD scores over baseline with rezpegaldesleukin were not substantial at week 12, by week 48 there was a marked difference between higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin and placebo, with 40.0% of patients responding to the drug vs. 0% in the latter group.

A similar pattern was seen for the Itch Numeric Rating Scale, in which 55.6% of patients treated with higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin responding by week 48, compared with 0% of those who received placebo.

Greater improvements in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) over baseline with higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin vs. plain placebo were also noted, despite a strong response in the latter group.

Dr. Silverberg reported that all treatment-emergent adverse effects in the two rezpegaldesleukin treatment arms were mild to moderate, with no severe or serious events observed.

The most common adverse events were mild to moderate injection-site reactions, seen in 75.0% of the lower-dose rezpegaldesleukin group and 58.8% the of higher-dose group. There were no cases of conjunctivitis.

The study was sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company in collaboration with Nektar Therapeutics.

Dr. Silverberg declares relationships with AbbVie, Alamar, Aldena, Amgen, AOBiome, Arcutis, Arena, Asana, ASLAN, BioMX, Biosion, Bodewell, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cara, Castle Biosciences, Celgene, Connect Biopharma, CorEvitas, Dermavant, DermTech, Eli Lilly, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Incyte, Kiniksa, LEO Pharma, Nektar, Novartis, Optum, Pfizer, RAPT, Recludix, Regeneron, Sanofi-Genzyme, Shaperon, Target RWE, Union, and UpToDate.

A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com.

BERLIN – A novel regulatory T cell–stimulating therapy appears to significantly improve atopic dermatitis in patients with moderate to severe disease and may even benefit quality of life, suggest results from a phase 1b trial.

The research was presented at the annual congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

More than 40 patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two dosages of a highly selective recombinant interleukin (IL)-2 conjugate, rezpegaldesleukin, or placebo for 12 weeks, after which responders were observed out to 48 weeks. The higher dosage was associated with significant improvements in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) scores, which were maintained over the course of the study, as well as trends for improved patient-reported outcomes.

“This is the first study to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of rezpegaldesleukin,” said presenter Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, MPH, professor of dermatology and director of clinical research at George Washington University, Washington. He added, “These may be some of the most compelling data to date for the field, proving that, at a high level, if you causally increase regulator T cells, you will take down inflammation and improve a disease state.

“For me, this is proof of concept for so many things, and it gets me very excited.”

Dr. Silverberg noted that with the response maintained out to 48 weeks, despite stopping therapy at week 12, the “hope” with the approach of inducing regulator T cells “is that we could induce tolerance and that we could have some potential for disease modification.”

He continued, “Maybe I daren’t use the word ‘cure,’ but can we at least get to something that is truly remitted, where they can stop the drug and maintain that response?”

Dr. Silverberg said rezpegaldesleukin is now being evaluated in a phase 2b study for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, and a phase 2b trial for alopecia areata is in development.

Tiago dos Reis Matos, MD, PhD, MSc, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, who was not involved in the study, told this news organization that “recombinant human interleukin-2 is an original therapy.”

Instead of blocking or inhibiting inflammation, it stimulates the patient’s immune system to “restore a healthy balance.”

He explained that it “stimulates regulatory T cells, which can be seen as the Peace Corps of the immune system, responsible for maintaining the equilibrium and avoiding uncontrolled inflammation.”

At the meeting, Dr. Silverberg told the audience that although they are the “beneficiaries of riches of new advances” in atopic dermatitis, “still, many observational studies have shown that the majority of patients do not achieve adequate control by the end of their induction periods and clinical trials, in the real world,” with currently available treatments.

Moreover, “there are challenges that come up with any of the different therapies,” he said, with adverse effects an important issue. For example, biologic therapies are associated with conjunctivitis, facial erythema, and arthralgia, and there are boxed warnings for Janus kinase inhibitors.

Dr. Silverberg continued, “Even patients with a favorable response can experience a loss of disease control when they come off therapy.” Consequently, “new strategies are certainly welcome that could potentially induce both deep and potentially therapy-free remission.”

To those ends, he explained that regulatory T cells play a central role in immune homeostasis but have not been “therapeutically relevant until very recently,” when it was posited that increasing their function can “induce that homeostasis, to normalize the inflammatory cascades” seen in a range of conditions, including atopic dermatitis.

Rezpegaldesleukin has high selectivity for regulatory T cells, without causing activation of effector T cells, and has been shown to increase cell numbers in a dose-dependent manner that is sustained for up to 30 days.

The current study involved patients aged 18-70 years with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and a history of inadequate responses or intolerance to topical medications, and an EASI score ≥ 16.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous rezpegaldesleukin 12 mcg/kg or 24 mcg/kg or placebo every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. They then discontinued treatment and were followed up until week 19, when responders, defined as having a reduction in EASI score ≥ 50%, continued follow-up out to week 48.

Seventeen patients were randomized to higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin, whereas 16 received the lower dose and 10 were assigned to placebo. Dr. Silverberg said that the three groups were “fairly well balanced,” with “fairly good representation” across age, race, and ethnicity groups.

The mean baseline EASI score was between 21.9 and 23.7, and the Validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD) suggested that there was an even split between moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, although the higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin group had more patients with moderate disease.

By week 12, rezpegaldesleukin was associated with significantly greater improvements in EASI scores vs. placebo. Patients on the higher dose had a mean 83% improvement over baseline vs. 65% with the lower dose and 47% with placebo (P = .002 for the higher dose vs. placebo).

Crucially, these differences were maintained up to week 48 in patients, particularly in the higher-dose group.

There was also a nonsignificant increase in the proportion of patients who achieved a reduction in EASI scores ≥ 75% over baseline with the active drug: 41% at week 12 with higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin, 25% with the lower dose, and 20% with placebo. Again, the benefit was maintained up to week 48.

The mean improvement in BSA score from baseline with rezpegaldesleukin was significantly greater than that seen with placebo, at 72% with the higher dose, 55% with the lower dose, and 36% with placebo (P = .0158 for the higher dose vs. placebo).

Although improvements in vIGA-AD scores over baseline with rezpegaldesleukin were not substantial at week 12, by week 48 there was a marked difference between higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin and placebo, with 40.0% of patients responding to the drug vs. 0% in the latter group.

A similar pattern was seen for the Itch Numeric Rating Scale, in which 55.6% of patients treated with higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin responding by week 48, compared with 0% of those who received placebo.

Greater improvements in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) over baseline with higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin vs. plain placebo were also noted, despite a strong response in the latter group.

Dr. Silverberg reported that all treatment-emergent adverse effects in the two rezpegaldesleukin treatment arms were mild to moderate, with no severe or serious events observed.

The most common adverse events were mild to moderate injection-site reactions, seen in 75.0% of the lower-dose rezpegaldesleukin group and 58.8% the of higher-dose group. There were no cases of conjunctivitis.

The study was sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company in collaboration with Nektar Therapeutics.

Dr. Silverberg declares relationships with AbbVie, Alamar, Aldena, Amgen, AOBiome, Arcutis, Arena, Asana, ASLAN, BioMX, Biosion, Bodewell, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cara, Castle Biosciences, Celgene, Connect Biopharma, CorEvitas, Dermavant, DermTech, Eli Lilly, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Incyte, Kiniksa, LEO Pharma, Nektar, Novartis, Optum, Pfizer, RAPT, Recludix, Regeneron, Sanofi-Genzyme, Shaperon, Target RWE, Union, and UpToDate.

A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com.

BERLIN – A novel regulatory T cell–stimulating therapy appears to significantly improve atopic dermatitis in patients with moderate to severe disease and may even benefit quality of life, suggest results from a phase 1b trial.

The research was presented at the annual congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

More than 40 patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two dosages of a highly selective recombinant interleukin (IL)-2 conjugate, rezpegaldesleukin, or placebo for 12 weeks, after which responders were observed out to 48 weeks. The higher dosage was associated with significant improvements in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and Body Surface Area (BSA) scores, which were maintained over the course of the study, as well as trends for improved patient-reported outcomes.

“This is the first study to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of rezpegaldesleukin,” said presenter Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, MPH, professor of dermatology and director of clinical research at George Washington University, Washington. He added, “These may be some of the most compelling data to date for the field, proving that, at a high level, if you causally increase regulator T cells, you will take down inflammation and improve a disease state.

“For me, this is proof of concept for so many things, and it gets me very excited.”

Dr. Silverberg noted that with the response maintained out to 48 weeks, despite stopping therapy at week 12, the “hope” with the approach of inducing regulator T cells “is that we could induce tolerance and that we could have some potential for disease modification.”

He continued, “Maybe I daren’t use the word ‘cure,’ but can we at least get to something that is truly remitted, where they can stop the drug and maintain that response?”

Dr. Silverberg said rezpegaldesleukin is now being evaluated in a phase 2b study for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, and a phase 2b trial for alopecia areata is in development.

Tiago dos Reis Matos, MD, PhD, MSc, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, who was not involved in the study, told this news organization that “recombinant human interleukin-2 is an original therapy.”

Instead of blocking or inhibiting inflammation, it stimulates the patient’s immune system to “restore a healthy balance.”

He explained that it “stimulates regulatory T cells, which can be seen as the Peace Corps of the immune system, responsible for maintaining the equilibrium and avoiding uncontrolled inflammation.”

At the meeting, Dr. Silverberg told the audience that although they are the “beneficiaries of riches of new advances” in atopic dermatitis, “still, many observational studies have shown that the majority of patients do not achieve adequate control by the end of their induction periods and clinical trials, in the real world,” with currently available treatments.

Moreover, “there are challenges that come up with any of the different therapies,” he said, with adverse effects an important issue. For example, biologic therapies are associated with conjunctivitis, facial erythema, and arthralgia, and there are boxed warnings for Janus kinase inhibitors.

Dr. Silverberg continued, “Even patients with a favorable response can experience a loss of disease control when they come off therapy.” Consequently, “new strategies are certainly welcome that could potentially induce both deep and potentially therapy-free remission.”

To those ends, he explained that regulatory T cells play a central role in immune homeostasis but have not been “therapeutically relevant until very recently,” when it was posited that increasing their function can “induce that homeostasis, to normalize the inflammatory cascades” seen in a range of conditions, including atopic dermatitis.

Rezpegaldesleukin has high selectivity for regulatory T cells, without causing activation of effector T cells, and has been shown to increase cell numbers in a dose-dependent manner that is sustained for up to 30 days.

The current study involved patients aged 18-70 years with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and a history of inadequate responses or intolerance to topical medications, and an EASI score ≥ 16.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous rezpegaldesleukin 12 mcg/kg or 24 mcg/kg or placebo every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. They then discontinued treatment and were followed up until week 19, when responders, defined as having a reduction in EASI score ≥ 50%, continued follow-up out to week 48.

Seventeen patients were randomized to higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin, whereas 16 received the lower dose and 10 were assigned to placebo. Dr. Silverberg said that the three groups were “fairly well balanced,” with “fairly good representation” across age, race, and ethnicity groups.

The mean baseline EASI score was between 21.9 and 23.7, and the Validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD) suggested that there was an even split between moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, although the higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin group had more patients with moderate disease.

By week 12, rezpegaldesleukin was associated with significantly greater improvements in EASI scores vs. placebo. Patients on the higher dose had a mean 83% improvement over baseline vs. 65% with the lower dose and 47% with placebo (P = .002 for the higher dose vs. placebo).

Crucially, these differences were maintained up to week 48 in patients, particularly in the higher-dose group.

There was also a nonsignificant increase in the proportion of patients who achieved a reduction in EASI scores ≥ 75% over baseline with the active drug: 41% at week 12 with higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin, 25% with the lower dose, and 20% with placebo. Again, the benefit was maintained up to week 48.

The mean improvement in BSA score from baseline with rezpegaldesleukin was significantly greater than that seen with placebo, at 72% with the higher dose, 55% with the lower dose, and 36% with placebo (P = .0158 for the higher dose vs. placebo).

Although improvements in vIGA-AD scores over baseline with rezpegaldesleukin were not substantial at week 12, by week 48 there was a marked difference between higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin and placebo, with 40.0% of patients responding to the drug vs. 0% in the latter group.

A similar pattern was seen for the Itch Numeric Rating Scale, in which 55.6% of patients treated with higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin responding by week 48, compared with 0% of those who received placebo.

Greater improvements in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) over baseline with higher-dose rezpegaldesleukin vs. plain placebo were also noted, despite a strong response in the latter group.

Dr. Silverberg reported that all treatment-emergent adverse effects in the two rezpegaldesleukin treatment arms were mild to moderate, with no severe or serious events observed.

The most common adverse events were mild to moderate injection-site reactions, seen in 75.0% of the lower-dose rezpegaldesleukin group and 58.8% the of higher-dose group. There were no cases of conjunctivitis.

The study was sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company in collaboration with Nektar Therapeutics.

Dr. Silverberg declares relationships with AbbVie, Alamar, Aldena, Amgen, AOBiome, Arcutis, Arena, Asana, ASLAN, BioMX, Biosion, Bodewell, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cara, Castle Biosciences, Celgene, Connect Biopharma, CorEvitas, Dermavant, DermTech, Eli Lilly, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Incyte, Kiniksa, LEO Pharma, Nektar, Novartis, Optum, Pfizer, RAPT, Recludix, Regeneron, Sanofi-Genzyme, Shaperon, Target RWE, Union, and UpToDate.

A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com.

A teledermatology clinic pioneered by clinicians at George Washington University, Washington, to provide care for underserved populations will serve as a model for four other teledermatology clinics, according to a press release from the university.

Four institutions will receive grants to implement the George Washington University model, which involved partnering with a local organization to provide an entry point for individuals in areas with limited access to medical care, with support from Pfizer Global Medical Grants.

“Targeting those who lack access to quality-based care for inflammatory dermatologic conditions, including atopic dermatitis (AD) and others, the grants will reach communities in Miami-Dade County, Fla., Los Angeles County, Calif., rural communities in Oregon, and downtown Philadelphia,” according to the announcement. GW’s Teledermatology Free Clinic was conceived in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which further highlighted disparities in access to dermatologic care, Adam Friedman, M.D., professor and chair of dermatology at George Washington University, said in the press release.

GW implemented its clinic for residents in underserved areas of Washington, D.C., in partnership with the Rodham Institute and the Temple of Praise Church. “We set up a free clinic at the church through which patients were integrated into the GW medical records system, provided instruction on telemedicine best practices, exposed to comprehensive education about AD and underwent a free telemedicine visit with a member of the department of dermatology,” Dr. Friedman explained.

Most participants – 70% – did not have a dermatologist, 94% were extremely satisfied with the experience, and 90% reported that the clinic had a significant impact on the management of their AD, according to the results of a recently published postengagement survey.

The following are the recipients of the “Quality Improvement Initiative: Bridging the Inflammatory Dermatosis Care Divide with Teledermatology Grant Program”:

• Scott Elman, MD, assistant professor of clinical dermatology and medical director of outpatient dermatology at the University of Miami and his team will create a clinic in partnership with Lotus House, a resource center and residential facility serving homeless women and infants, with focus on interventions in both English and Spanish.
• Nada Elbuluk, MD, associate professor of clinical dermatology and director of the Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Program, at the University of Southern California, will lead a team to expand the role of two programs she created, Derm RISES, which targets inner city students, and Dermmunity, a community-based program that provides dermatology education to underserved communities in the Los Angeles area.
• Alex Ortega-Loayza, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University and his team will partner with the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network to implement their teledermatology program at five clinics that serve different portions of rural and underserved communities across Oregon.
• Jules Lipoff, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology, Temple University, Philadelphia, will lead a pilot program to establish a telemedicine dermatology clinic with Philadelphia FIGHT, a federally qualified health center in downtown Philadelphia where many patients lack high-speed Internet, and patients will be allowed direct access to telemedicine dermatology appointments within the primary care facility. The clinic’s patient population includes patients living with HIV, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who identify as trans or with a gender not matching their sex assigned at birth.

All four projects will complete postassessment surveys and quality assessment initiatives.

The GW clinic is ongoing, with plans for expansion and the establishment of additional programs with community partners in the Washington area, Dr. Friedman said in an interview.

“While these partnerships are in their infancy, I have high hopes that we will be able to impact even more individuals afflicted with dermatologic diseases and gain more insights into best practices for community engagement,” he added. “Many individuals who have come through our free clinic have followed up, by telehealth and/or in person at GW, depending on the clinical need to maintain continuity of care. In numerous cases, my impression is that this first point of contact is the key to ongoing treatment success, because it enables the access that may have been missing and engenders trust and confidence.”

A teledermatology clinic pioneered by clinicians at George Washington University, Washington, to provide care for underserved populations will serve as a model for four other teledermatology clinics, according to a press release from the university.

Four institutions will receive grants to implement the George Washington University model, which involved partnering with a local organization to provide an entry point for individuals in areas with limited access to medical care, with support from Pfizer Global Medical Grants.

“Targeting those who lack access to quality-based care for inflammatory dermatologic conditions, including atopic dermatitis (AD) and others, the grants will reach communities in Miami-Dade County, Fla., Los Angeles County, Calif., rural communities in Oregon, and downtown Philadelphia,” according to the announcement. GW’s Teledermatology Free Clinic was conceived in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which further highlighted disparities in access to dermatologic care, Adam Friedman, M.D., professor and chair of dermatology at George Washington University, said in the press release.

GW implemented its clinic for residents in underserved areas of Washington, D.C., in partnership with the Rodham Institute and the Temple of Praise Church. “We set up a free clinic at the church through which patients were integrated into the GW medical records system, provided instruction on telemedicine best practices, exposed to comprehensive education about AD and underwent a free telemedicine visit with a member of the department of dermatology,” Dr. Friedman explained.

Most participants – 70% – did not have a dermatologist, 94% were extremely satisfied with the experience, and 90% reported that the clinic had a significant impact on the management of their AD, according to the results of a recently published postengagement survey.

The following are the recipients of the “Quality Improvement Initiative: Bridging the Inflammatory Dermatosis Care Divide with Teledermatology Grant Program”:

• Scott Elman, MD, assistant professor of clinical dermatology and medical director of outpatient dermatology at the University of Miami and his team will create a clinic in partnership with Lotus House, a resource center and residential facility serving homeless women and infants, with focus on interventions in both English and Spanish.
• Nada Elbuluk, MD, associate professor of clinical dermatology and director of the Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Program, at the University of Southern California, will lead a team to expand the role of two programs she created, Derm RISES, which targets inner city students, and Dermmunity, a community-based program that provides dermatology education to underserved communities in the Los Angeles area.
• Alex Ortega-Loayza, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University and his team will partner with the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network to implement their teledermatology program at five clinics that serve different portions of rural and underserved communities across Oregon.
• Jules Lipoff, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology, Temple University, Philadelphia, will lead a pilot program to establish a telemedicine dermatology clinic with Philadelphia FIGHT, a federally qualified health center in downtown Philadelphia where many patients lack high-speed Internet, and patients will be allowed direct access to telemedicine dermatology appointments within the primary care facility. The clinic’s patient population includes patients living with HIV, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who identify as trans or with a gender not matching their sex assigned at birth.

All four projects will complete postassessment surveys and quality assessment initiatives.

The GW clinic is ongoing, with plans for expansion and the establishment of additional programs with community partners in the Washington area, Dr. Friedman said in an interview.

“While these partnerships are in their infancy, I have high hopes that we will be able to impact even more individuals afflicted with dermatologic diseases and gain more insights into best practices for community engagement,” he added. “Many individuals who have come through our free clinic have followed up, by telehealth and/or in person at GW, depending on the clinical need to maintain continuity of care. In numerous cases, my impression is that this first point of contact is the key to ongoing treatment success, because it enables the access that may have been missing and engenders trust and confidence.”

A teledermatology clinic pioneered by clinicians at George Washington University, Washington, to provide care for underserved populations will serve as a model for four other teledermatology clinics, according to a press release from the university.

Four institutions will receive grants to implement the George Washington University model, which involved partnering with a local organization to provide an entry point for individuals in areas with limited access to medical care, with support from Pfizer Global Medical Grants.

“Targeting those who lack access to quality-based care for inflammatory dermatologic conditions, including atopic dermatitis (AD) and others, the grants will reach communities in Miami-Dade County, Fla., Los Angeles County, Calif., rural communities in Oregon, and downtown Philadelphia,” according to the announcement. GW’s Teledermatology Free Clinic was conceived in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which further highlighted disparities in access to dermatologic care, Adam Friedman, M.D., professor and chair of dermatology at George Washington University, said in the press release.

GW implemented its clinic for residents in underserved areas of Washington, D.C., in partnership with the Rodham Institute and the Temple of Praise Church. “We set up a free clinic at the church through which patients were integrated into the GW medical records system, provided instruction on telemedicine best practices, exposed to comprehensive education about AD and underwent a free telemedicine visit with a member of the department of dermatology,” Dr. Friedman explained.

Most participants – 70% – did not have a dermatologist, 94% were extremely satisfied with the experience, and 90% reported that the clinic had a significant impact on the management of their AD, according to the results of a recently published postengagement survey.

The following are the recipients of the “Quality Improvement Initiative: Bridging the Inflammatory Dermatosis Care Divide with Teledermatology Grant Program”:

• Scott Elman, MD, assistant professor of clinical dermatology and medical director of outpatient dermatology at the University of Miami and his team will create a clinic in partnership with Lotus House, a resource center and residential facility serving homeless women and infants, with focus on interventions in both English and Spanish.
• Nada Elbuluk, MD, associate professor of clinical dermatology and director of the Skin of Color and Pigmentary Disorders Program, at the University of Southern California, will lead a team to expand the role of two programs she created, Derm RISES, which targets inner city students, and Dermmunity, a community-based program that provides dermatology education to underserved communities in the Los Angeles area.
• Alex Ortega-Loayza, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University and his team will partner with the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network to implement their teledermatology program at five clinics that serve different portions of rural and underserved communities across Oregon.
• Jules Lipoff, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology, Temple University, Philadelphia, will lead a pilot program to establish a telemedicine dermatology clinic with Philadelphia FIGHT, a federally qualified health center in downtown Philadelphia where many patients lack high-speed Internet, and patients will be allowed direct access to telemedicine dermatology appointments within the primary care facility. The clinic’s patient population includes patients living with HIV, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and those who identify as trans or with a gender not matching their sex assigned at birth.

All four projects will complete postassessment surveys and quality assessment initiatives.

The GW clinic is ongoing, with plans for expansion and the establishment of additional programs with community partners in the Washington area, Dr. Friedman said in an interview.

“While these partnerships are in their infancy, I have high hopes that we will be able to impact even more individuals afflicted with dermatologic diseases and gain more insights into best practices for community engagement,” he added. “Many individuals who have come through our free clinic have followed up, by telehealth and/or in person at GW, depending on the clinical need to maintain continuity of care. In numerous cases, my impression is that this first point of contact is the key to ongoing treatment success, because it enables the access that may have been missing and engenders trust and confidence.”

Key clinical point: Comparable prevalence rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and those with in situ melanoma suggest that AD is not a risk factor for NAFLD.

Major finding: The prevalence rate of NAFLD was similar in patients with AD (24.1%) and those with in situ melanoma (23.2%), but it was significantly higher in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis (49.8%) compared with the other two groups (both P < .01). AD was not independently associated with NAFLD (adjusted odds ratio 1.02; 95% CI 0.78-1.26).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective cross-sectional study including adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD (n = 144), moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis (n = 466), or in situ melanoma (n = 99).

Disclosures: This study was funded by European Union-Next Generation EU-NRRP M6C2-Investment 2.1 Enhancement and Strengthening of Biomedical Research in the National Health Service. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Maurelli M et al. Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adult individuals with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. J Clin Med. 2023;12(18):6057 (Sep 19). doi: 10.3390/jcm12186057

Key clinical point: Comparable prevalence rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and those with in situ melanoma suggest that AD is not a risk factor for NAFLD.

Major finding: The prevalence rate of NAFLD was similar in patients with AD (24.1%) and those with in situ melanoma (23.2%), but it was significantly higher in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis (49.8%) compared with the other two groups (both P < .01). AD was not independently associated with NAFLD (adjusted odds ratio 1.02; 95% CI 0.78-1.26).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective cross-sectional study including adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD (n = 144), moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis (n = 466), or in situ melanoma (n = 99).

Disclosures: This study was funded by European Union-Next Generation EU-NRRP M6C2-Investment 2.1 Enhancement and Strengthening of Biomedical Research in the National Health Service. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Maurelli M et al. Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adult individuals with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. J Clin Med. 2023;12(18):6057 (Sep 19). doi: 10.3390/jcm12186057

Key clinical point: Comparable prevalence rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and those with in situ melanoma suggest that AD is not a risk factor for NAFLD.

Major finding: The prevalence rate of NAFLD was similar in patients with AD (24.1%) and those with in situ melanoma (23.2%), but it was significantly higher in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis (49.8%) compared with the other two groups (both P < .01). AD was not independently associated with NAFLD (adjusted odds ratio 1.02; 95% CI 0.78-1.26).

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective cross-sectional study including adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD (n = 144), moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis (n = 466), or in situ melanoma (n = 99).

Disclosures: This study was funded by European Union-Next Generation EU-NRRP M6C2-Investment 2.1 Enhancement and Strengthening of Biomedical Research in the National Health Service. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Maurelli M et al. Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adult individuals with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. J Clin Med. 2023;12(18):6057 (Sep 19). doi: 10.3390/jcm12186057

Key clinical point: Long-term dupilumab treatment provides sustained clinical benefits and acceptable safety in children age 6-11 years with uncontrolled severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: By week 52, 41% of patients achieved an Investigator’s Global Assessment score of 0 or 1, and 82% of patients achieved ≥75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index scores compared with the LIBERTY AD PEDS baseline. Treatment-emergent adverse events were mostly of mild or moderate severity.

Study details: This analysis of data from the LIBERTY AD PED-OLE study included 321 children (age 6-11 years) with severe AD who previously participated in LIBERTY AD PEDS and received 300 mg dupilumab every 4 weeks or an up-titrated weight-tiered dose of 200 or 300 mg dupilumab every 2 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Seven authors declared being employees of or holding stocks or stock options in Sanofi or Regeneron. The other authors declared ties with various sources, including Sanofi and Regeneron.

Source: Cork MJ et al. Dupilumab safety and efficacy in a phase III open-label extension trial in children 6-11 years of age with severe atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023 (Sep 26). doi: 10.1007/s13555-023-01016-9

Key clinical point: Long-term dupilumab treatment provides sustained clinical benefits and acceptable safety in children age 6-11 years with uncontrolled severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: By week 52, 41% of patients achieved an Investigator’s Global Assessment score of 0 or 1, and 82% of patients achieved ≥75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index scores compared with the LIBERTY AD PEDS baseline. Treatment-emergent adverse events were mostly of mild or moderate severity.

Study details: This analysis of data from the LIBERTY AD PED-OLE study included 321 children (age 6-11 years) with severe AD who previously participated in LIBERTY AD PEDS and received 300 mg dupilumab every 4 weeks or an up-titrated weight-tiered dose of 200 or 300 mg dupilumab every 2 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Seven authors declared being employees of or holding stocks or stock options in Sanofi or Regeneron. The other authors declared ties with various sources, including Sanofi and Regeneron.

Source: Cork MJ et al. Dupilumab safety and efficacy in a phase III open-label extension trial in children 6-11 years of age with severe atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023 (Sep 26). doi: 10.1007/s13555-023-01016-9

Key clinical point: Long-term dupilumab treatment provides sustained clinical benefits and acceptable safety in children age 6-11 years with uncontrolled severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: By week 52, 41% of patients achieved an Investigator’s Global Assessment score of 0 or 1, and 82% of patients achieved ≥75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index scores compared with the LIBERTY AD PEDS baseline. Treatment-emergent adverse events were mostly of mild or moderate severity.

Study details: This analysis of data from the LIBERTY AD PED-OLE study included 321 children (age 6-11 years) with severe AD who previously participated in LIBERTY AD PEDS and received 300 mg dupilumab every 4 weeks or an up-titrated weight-tiered dose of 200 or 300 mg dupilumab every 2 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Seven authors declared being employees of or holding stocks or stock options in Sanofi or Regeneron. The other authors declared ties with various sources, including Sanofi and Regeneron.

Source: Cork MJ et al. Dupilumab safety and efficacy in a phase III open-label extension trial in children 6-11 years of age with severe atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023 (Sep 26). doi: 10.1007/s13555-023-01016-9

Key clinical point: Tralokinumab led to clinically meaningful responses in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) who failed to achieve an Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 at 16 weeks without rescue medication.

Major finding: At week 16, a significantly greater proportion of patients receiving tralokinumab vs placebo achieved ≥ 50% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index scores (33.0% vs 13.0%; P < .0001) and ≥ 3-point improvement in the itch Numerical Rating Scale scores (22.6% vs 9.4%; P < .0001).

Study details: This post hoc analysis of data from ECZTRA 1 and 2 trials included adults with moderate-to-severe AD who were randomized to receive tralokinumab (n = 966) or placebo (n = 362) and failed to achieve an IGA score of 0 or 1 at week 16 without rescue medication.

Disclosures: ECZTRA 1 and 2 were sponsored by LEO Pharma A/S, Denmark. Several authors declared ties with LEO Pharma, among others. T Mark declared being an employee and stockholder of LEO Pharma A/S.

Source: Simpson EL et al. Tralokinumab provides clinically meaningful responses at week 16 in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who do not achieve IGA 0/1. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023 (Oct 7). doi: 10.1007/s40257-023-00817-0

Key clinical point: Tralokinumab led to clinically meaningful responses in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) who failed to achieve an Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 at 16 weeks without rescue medication.

Major finding: At week 16, a significantly greater proportion of patients receiving tralokinumab vs placebo achieved ≥ 50% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index scores (33.0% vs 13.0%; P < .0001) and ≥ 3-point improvement in the itch Numerical Rating Scale scores (22.6% vs 9.4%; P < .0001).

Study details: This post hoc analysis of data from ECZTRA 1 and 2 trials included adults with moderate-to-severe AD who were randomized to receive tralokinumab (n = 966) or placebo (n = 362) and failed to achieve an IGA score of 0 or 1 at week 16 without rescue medication.

Disclosures: ECZTRA 1 and 2 were sponsored by LEO Pharma A/S, Denmark. Several authors declared ties with LEO Pharma, among others. T Mark declared being an employee and stockholder of LEO Pharma A/S.

Source: Simpson EL et al. Tralokinumab provides clinically meaningful responses at week 16 in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who do not achieve IGA 0/1. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023 (Oct 7). doi: 10.1007/s40257-023-00817-0

Key clinical point: Tralokinumab led to clinically meaningful responses in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) who failed to achieve an Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0 or 1 at 16 weeks without rescue medication.

Major finding: At week 16, a significantly greater proportion of patients receiving tralokinumab vs placebo achieved ≥ 50% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index scores (33.0% vs 13.0%; P < .0001) and ≥ 3-point improvement in the itch Numerical Rating Scale scores (22.6% vs 9.4%; P < .0001).

Study details: This post hoc analysis of data from ECZTRA 1 and 2 trials included adults with moderate-to-severe AD who were randomized to receive tralokinumab (n = 966) or placebo (n = 362) and failed to achieve an IGA score of 0 or 1 at week 16 without rescue medication.

Disclosures: ECZTRA 1 and 2 were sponsored by LEO Pharma A/S, Denmark. Several authors declared ties with LEO Pharma, among others. T Mark declared being an employee and stockholder of LEO Pharma A/S.

Source: Simpson EL et al. Tralokinumab provides clinically meaningful responses at week 16 in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who do not achieve IGA 0/1. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023 (Oct 7). doi: 10.1007/s40257-023-00817-0

Key clinical point: Methotrexate treatment decreased epidermal hyperplasia and altered the cutaneous expression of pruritus-related inflammatory cytokines and receptors, including interleukin-31 (IL-31) and IL-31 alpha receptor subunits (RA), in adults with moderate-to-severe refractory atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: At 24 weeks of treatment, methotrexate led to a significant increase in IL-31RA expression in the epidermis (P = .016), decrease in IL-31 gene expression in lesional skin (P = .019), and reduction in the mean epidermal thickness (P = .021).

Study details: Findings are from a prospective cohort study including 12 adults with moderate-to-severe refractory AD who orally received 15 mg methotrexate per week and were matched with 10 control individuals without AD.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Fundo de Apoio à Dermatologia de São Paulo, Brazil. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Samorano LP et al. Methotrexate for refractory adult atopic dermatitis leads to alterations in cutaneous IL-31 and IL-31RA expression. An Bras Dermatol. 2023 (Sep 18). doi: 10.1016/j.abd.2023.01.002

Key clinical point: Methotrexate treatment decreased epidermal hyperplasia and altered the cutaneous expression of pruritus-related inflammatory cytokines and receptors, including interleukin-31 (IL-31) and IL-31 alpha receptor subunits (RA), in adults with moderate-to-severe refractory atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: At 24 weeks of treatment, methotrexate led to a significant increase in IL-31RA expression in the epidermis (P = .016), decrease in IL-31 gene expression in lesional skin (P = .019), and reduction in the mean epidermal thickness (P = .021).

Study details: Findings are from a prospective cohort study including 12 adults with moderate-to-severe refractory AD who orally received 15 mg methotrexate per week and were matched with 10 control individuals without AD.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Fundo de Apoio à Dermatologia de São Paulo, Brazil. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Samorano LP et al. Methotrexate for refractory adult atopic dermatitis leads to alterations in cutaneous IL-31 and IL-31RA expression. An Bras Dermatol. 2023 (Sep 18). doi: 10.1016/j.abd.2023.01.002

Key clinical point: Methotrexate treatment decreased epidermal hyperplasia and altered the cutaneous expression of pruritus-related inflammatory cytokines and receptors, including interleukin-31 (IL-31) and IL-31 alpha receptor subunits (RA), in adults with moderate-to-severe refractory atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: At 24 weeks of treatment, methotrexate led to a significant increase in IL-31RA expression in the epidermis (P = .016), decrease in IL-31 gene expression in lesional skin (P = .019), and reduction in the mean epidermal thickness (P = .021).

Study details: Findings are from a prospective cohort study including 12 adults with moderate-to-severe refractory AD who orally received 15 mg methotrexate per week and were matched with 10 control individuals without AD.

Disclosures: This study was supported by Fundo de Apoio à Dermatologia de São Paulo, Brazil. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Samorano LP et al. Methotrexate for refractory adult atopic dermatitis leads to alterations in cutaneous IL-31 and IL-31RA expression. An Bras Dermatol. 2023 (Sep 18). doi: 10.1016/j.abd.2023.01.002

Key clinical point: Topical treatment with tacrolimus vs hydrocortisone was more efficacious in reducing inflammatory marker levels and had a better safety profile in children with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: After 3 weeks, patients receiving tacrolimus vs hydrocortisone showed a significantly greater decrease in the mean serum levels of IL-10 (P = .05), IL-17 (P = .021), and IL-23 (P = .03), lower rates of skin atrophy (P < .05), and higher but manageable incidences of mild-to-moderate transient stinging and erythema (P < .05).

Study details: Findings are from a prospective randomized clinical trial including 200 children with AD (age 2-16 years) who were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 0.03% topical tacrolimus ointment or 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose any funding source. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Mohamed AA et al. A comparative randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus versus hydrocortisone as a topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in children. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1202325 (Sep 20). doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1202325

Key clinical point: Topical treatment with tacrolimus vs hydrocortisone was more efficacious in reducing inflammatory marker levels and had a better safety profile in children with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: After 3 weeks, patients receiving tacrolimus vs hydrocortisone showed a significantly greater decrease in the mean serum levels of IL-10 (P = .05), IL-17 (P = .021), and IL-23 (P = .03), lower rates of skin atrophy (P < .05), and higher but manageable incidences of mild-to-moderate transient stinging and erythema (P < .05).

Study details: Findings are from a prospective randomized clinical trial including 200 children with AD (age 2-16 years) who were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 0.03% topical tacrolimus ointment or 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose any funding source. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Mohamed AA et al. A comparative randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus versus hydrocortisone as a topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in children. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1202325 (Sep 20). doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1202325

Key clinical point: Topical treatment with tacrolimus vs hydrocortisone was more efficacious in reducing inflammatory marker levels and had a better safety profile in children with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: After 3 weeks, patients receiving tacrolimus vs hydrocortisone showed a significantly greater decrease in the mean serum levels of IL-10 (P = .05), IL-17 (P = .021), and IL-23 (P = .03), lower rates of skin atrophy (P < .05), and higher but manageable incidences of mild-to-moderate transient stinging and erythema (P < .05).

Study details: Findings are from a prospective randomized clinical trial including 200 children with AD (age 2-16 years) who were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 0.03% topical tacrolimus ointment or 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily.

Disclosures: This study did not disclose any funding source. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Mohamed AA et al. A comparative randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus versus hydrocortisone as a topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in children. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1202325 (Sep 20). doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1202325

Key clinical point: Atopic dermatitis (AD) negatively affects the prognosis, quality of life (QoL), and work life in young workers with occupational contact dermatitis (OCD).

Major finding: The prevalence of previously diagnosed AD was 41.8%. A higher proportion of workers with vs without AD experienced eczema during the last 3 months of response submission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.7; P < .001) and reported that OCD had negatively affected their choice of jobs and occupations (aOR 1.4; P < .001). Workers with vs without AD had significantly higher mean scores in the emotions (P < .01) and symptoms (P < .001) subscales of the Skindex-29 assessment of QoL.

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective questionnaire-based study including 2392 workers age < 35 years with OCD who answered a question about being previously diagnosed with AD.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Danish Working Environment Research Fund. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Dietz JB et al. Impact of atopic dermatitis on occupational contact dermatitis among young people: A retrospective cohort study. Contact Dermatitis. 2023 (Sep 26). doi: 10.1111/cod.14426

Key clinical point: Atopic dermatitis (AD) negatively affects the prognosis, quality of life (QoL), and work life in young workers with occupational contact dermatitis (OCD).

Major finding: The prevalence of previously diagnosed AD was 41.8%. A higher proportion of workers with vs without AD experienced eczema during the last 3 months of response submission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.7; P < .001) and reported that OCD had negatively affected their choice of jobs and occupations (aOR 1.4; P < .001). Workers with vs without AD had significantly higher mean scores in the emotions (P < .01) and symptoms (P < .001) subscales of the Skindex-29 assessment of QoL.

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective questionnaire-based study including 2392 workers age < 35 years with OCD who answered a question about being previously diagnosed with AD.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Danish Working Environment Research Fund. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Dietz JB et al. Impact of atopic dermatitis on occupational contact dermatitis among young people: A retrospective cohort study. Contact Dermatitis. 2023 (Sep 26). doi: 10.1111/cod.14426

Key clinical point: Atopic dermatitis (AD) negatively affects the prognosis, quality of life (QoL), and work life in young workers with occupational contact dermatitis (OCD).

Major finding: The prevalence of previously diagnosed AD was 41.8%. A higher proportion of workers with vs without AD experienced eczema during the last 3 months of response submission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.7; P < .001) and reported that OCD had negatively affected their choice of jobs and occupations (aOR 1.4; P < .001). Workers with vs without AD had significantly higher mean scores in the emotions (P < .01) and symptoms (P < .001) subscales of the Skindex-29 assessment of QoL.

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective questionnaire-based study including 2392 workers age < 35 years with OCD who answered a question about being previously diagnosed with AD.

Disclosures: This study was funded by the Danish Working Environment Research Fund. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Dietz JB et al. Impact of atopic dermatitis on occupational contact dermatitis among young people: A retrospective cohort study. Contact Dermatitis. 2023 (Sep 26). doi: 10.1111/cod.14426

Key clinical point: Xyloglucan and pea protein (XG-PP)-based topical treatment shows safety and efficacy outcomes comparable with those of hydrocortisone in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: At 8 and 15 days of treatment, both XG-PP and hydrocortisone led to significant decreases in the AD Severity Index (ADSI) score (all P = .00001). Both treatment arms showed similar decrease in ADSI scores at 8 (P = .91) and 15 (P = .92) days. No adverse events were reported in the XG-PP treatment arm.

Study details: Findings are from a prospective multicenter study including 42 pediatric patients with mild-to-moderate AD (age 6 months-12 years) who were randomly assigned to receive either topical XG-PP-based cream or hydrocortisone twice daily for 14 consecutive days.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Novintethical Pharma SA. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Sowlati M et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a novel topical treatment containing pea protein and xyloglucan in the management of atopic dermatitis in children: A prospective, multicenter clinical study. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023 (Sep 23). doi: 10.1007/s13555-023-01035-6

Key clinical point: Xyloglucan and pea protein (XG-PP)-based topical treatment shows safety and efficacy outcomes comparable with those of hydrocortisone in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: At 8 and 15 days of treatment, both XG-PP and hydrocortisone led to significant decreases in the AD Severity Index (ADSI) score (all P = .00001). Both treatment arms showed similar decrease in ADSI scores at 8 (P = .91) and 15 (P = .92) days. No adverse events were reported in the XG-PP treatment arm.

Study details: Findings are from a prospective multicenter study including 42 pediatric patients with mild-to-moderate AD (age 6 months-12 years) who were randomly assigned to receive either topical XG-PP-based cream or hydrocortisone twice daily for 14 consecutive days.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Novintethical Pharma SA. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Sowlati M et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a novel topical treatment containing pea protein and xyloglucan in the management of atopic dermatitis in children: A prospective, multicenter clinical study. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023 (Sep 23). doi: 10.1007/s13555-023-01035-6

Key clinical point: Xyloglucan and pea protein (XG-PP)-based topical treatment shows safety and efficacy outcomes comparable with those of hydrocortisone in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Major finding: At 8 and 15 days of treatment, both XG-PP and hydrocortisone led to significant decreases in the AD Severity Index (ADSI) score (all P = .00001). Both treatment arms showed similar decrease in ADSI scores at 8 (P = .91) and 15 (P = .92) days. No adverse events were reported in the XG-PP treatment arm.

Study details: Findings are from a prospective multicenter study including 42 pediatric patients with mild-to-moderate AD (age 6 months-12 years) who were randomly assigned to receive either topical XG-PP-based cream or hydrocortisone twice daily for 14 consecutive days.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Novintethical Pharma SA. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Sowlati M et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a novel topical treatment containing pea protein and xyloglucan in the management of atopic dermatitis in children: A prospective, multicenter clinical study. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023 (Sep 23). doi: 10.1007/s13555-023-01035-6

Key clinical point: Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have an increased risk for multiple neuropsychiatric conditions; however, the risk profiles for specific neuropsychiatric conditions differ with AD severity.

Major finding: Adults with AD (of any severity level) vs without AD had a higher risk for anxiety (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.14, 95% CI 1.13-1.15), depression (aHR 1.14, 95% CI 1.13-1.15), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (aHR 1.48, 95% CI 1.38-1.58); the risk for autism increased in patients with mild (aHR 1.55; 95% CI 1.26-1.89) and moderate (aHR 1.40; 95% CI 1.07-1.83) AD and that for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder increased in those with mild AD (aHR 1.27; 95% CI 1.03-1.55].

Study details: This population-based cohort study included 625,083 adults with AD who were matched with 2,678,888 control adults without AD.

Disclosures: This study was supported by a contract from Pfizer, Inc. Some authors declared receiving research or fellowship funding or consultation honoraria from various sources, including Pfizer. AR Lemeshow declared being an employee of Pfizer.

Source: Wan J et al. Neuropsychiatric disorders in adults with atopic dermatitis: A population-based cohort study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023 (Sep 20). doi: 10.1111/jdv.19518

Key clinical point: Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have an increased risk for multiple neuropsychiatric conditions; however, the risk profiles for specific neuropsychiatric conditions differ with AD severity.

Major finding: Adults with AD (of any severity level) vs without AD had a higher risk for anxiety (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.14, 95% CI 1.13-1.15), depression (aHR 1.14, 95% CI 1.13-1.15), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (aHR 1.48, 95% CI 1.38-1.58); the risk for autism increased in patients with mild (aHR 1.55; 95% CI 1.26-1.89) and moderate (aHR 1.40; 95% CI 1.07-1.83) AD and that for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder increased in those with mild AD (aHR 1.27; 95% CI 1.03-1.55].

Study details: This population-based cohort study included 625,083 adults with AD who were matched with 2,678,888 control adults without AD.

Disclosures: This study was supported by a contract from Pfizer, Inc. Some authors declared receiving research or fellowship funding or consultation honoraria from various sources, including Pfizer. AR Lemeshow declared being an employee of Pfizer.

Source: Wan J et al. Neuropsychiatric disorders in adults with atopic dermatitis: A population-based cohort study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023 (Sep 20). doi: 10.1111/jdv.19518

Key clinical point: Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have an increased risk for multiple neuropsychiatric conditions; however, the risk profiles for specific neuropsychiatric conditions differ with AD severity.

Major finding: Adults with AD (of any severity level) vs without AD had a higher risk for anxiety (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.14, 95% CI 1.13-1.15), depression (aHR 1.14, 95% CI 1.13-1.15), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (aHR 1.48, 95% CI 1.38-1.58); the risk for autism increased in patients with mild (aHR 1.55; 95% CI 1.26-1.89) and moderate (aHR 1.40; 95% CI 1.07-1.83) AD and that for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder increased in those with mild AD (aHR 1.27; 95% CI 1.03-1.55].

Study details: This population-based cohort study included 625,083 adults with AD who were matched with 2,678,888 control adults without AD.

Disclosures: This study was supported by a contract from Pfizer, Inc. Some authors declared receiving research or fellowship funding or consultation honoraria from various sources, including Pfizer. AR Lemeshow declared being an employee of Pfizer.

Source: Wan J et al. Neuropsychiatric disorders in adults with atopic dermatitis: A population-based cohort study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023 (Sep 20). doi: 10.1111/jdv.19518