Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease. Poorly controlled AD can lead to reduced quality of life (QoL) and psychosocial impairment. Dupilumab is the first approved monoclonal antibody targeting type 2 inflammation, for adolescent and adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

Objectives We review our cohort of Asian pediatric and adolescent patients with moderate-to-severe AD treated with dupilumab in KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), the largest tertiary pediatric hospital in Singapore, with a total bed capacity of 830. We assessed both objective and subjective outcome measures, as well as the side effects encountered in our cohort of patients.

Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in a cohort of Asian children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD. Clinical response was documented with Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores. Improvement in QoL was assessed using Child Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) or Teenager’s Quality of Life (T-QoL), and caregivers’ QoL was assessed using Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) questionnaire.

Results Twelve patients were recruited, aged between 6–18 years of age (mean 13.3 years), with mean duration of AD of 9.8 years. At baseline, the mean IGA score was 4 and the mean EASI was 48.2. The mean T-QoL and DFI scores at baseline were 18.7 and 19.6, respectively. After 12–16 weeks of treatment, the mean IGA score decreased to 2.2. The mean EASI decreased to 19.3 with mean reduction of 28.9. The mean T-QoL decreased to 7.5 with mean reduction of 11.2, and the mean DFI decreased to 8.6 with mean reduction of 11 (table 1). Adverse events included mild conjunctivitis in 2 patients and paradoxical head and neck erythema in 1 patient.

Conclusions Our study supports dupilumab as an effective and safe treatment option for Asian children and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD.