A real-world observational study of dupilumab treatment in adult patients with prurigo nodularis

Abstract

Background: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that has a significant unmet needs for effective treatment options. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in adult patients with PN refractory to traditional therapies. Methods: This ongoing, real-life study examined dupilumab treatment in 8 adult patients diagnosed with PN for at least 6 months. The included patients were prescribed 300 mg dupilumab biweekly for at least 16 weeks. Efficacy was the primary outcome by means of multiple standardized scale measurements while safety was also reported. Results: PN patients treated with dupilumab showed notable clinical improvement. After 16 weeks of dupilumab treatment, the mean Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score reduced from 3.75 to 1.50. Patients mean Numerical Rating Scale Itch Intensity (NRSI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) ratings reduced from 8.625, 15.13, and 14.50 to 1.563, 4.625, and 1.000 respectively. The majority of the patients (87.5%) reported dupilumab as effective while no adverse events have been reported. Study limitations: This study was limited to a small cohort of adult PN patients and a short-time observation period. Conclusions: Dupilumab is effective and tolerable in adult PN patients with significant improvement in skin lesions, itching, and quality of life.