Factors Associated With Dupilumab Response in Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Dupilumab was approved for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). However, a notable subset of patients remains unresponsive and factors associated with dupilumab response remain limited.

Objective

To review and establish factors related to dupilumab response systematically in AD.

Methods

We searched electronic databases, including PubMed and MEDLINE, Embase, Ovid, and the Cochrane Center of Controlled Trials from inception to March 2023. The primary outcome was factors linked to dupilumab response in AD. The odds ratios and 95% CIs related to a 75% reduction at 12 to 16 weeks in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score were synthesized using a random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

Of 21 studies involving 5,575 patients with AD, three were post hoc analyses of phase 3 dupilumab studies, 12 were retrospective, and six were prospective studies. Factors associated with favorable responses to dupilumab, defined by the percentage of patients achieving EASI75 at 12 to 16 weeks, included female sex (OR [95% CI] = 2.16 [1.38-3.38]), young age (2.81 [1.64-4.81]), absence of allergic rhinitis (2.64 [1.07-6.50]), low body mass index (1.97 [1.18-3.30]), and low blood eosinophil count (6.47 [3.36-12.48]), with very low certainty of evidence. Age at onset, baseline EASI score, total IgE level, and serum lactate dehydrogenase level were unrelated to dupilumab response.

Conclusions

Female sex, young age, absence of allergic rhinitis, low body mass index, and low blood eosinophil count were associated with a favorable response to dupilumab in patients with AD. These factors should be taken into account when considering dupilumab therapy in clinical practice.