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Case Reports
. 2021 May 4;13(2):248-256.
doi: 10.1159/000515246. eCollection 2021 May-Aug.

Atopic Dermatitis Treated Safely with Dupilumab during Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Yolanka Lobo  1   2 , Ruby C Lee  1   2 , Lynda Spelman  1   2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Atopic Dermatitis Treated Safely with Dupilumab during Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Yolanka Lobo et al. Case Rep Dermatol. .

Abstract

Dupilumab is currently the only biologic treatment approved for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Though limited, available clinical data describing dupilumab use in pregnancy have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Systemic treatment in pregnant women with atopic dermatitis is currently restricted to corticosteroids, cyclosporine A, and azathioprine. Atopic dermatitis often has a deleterious course in pregnancy which can cause substantial distress and significantly impact on global health and quality of life. We report a case of severe atopic dermatitis treated safely with dupilumab during pregnancy with no adverse maternal or fetal outcomes observed. Our case highlights that dupilumab use in pregnancy has its place but should always be preceded by careful assessment of the risks and benefits. Clinicians are encouraged to enroll their patients in relevant pregnancy registry studies to monitor outcomes in women exposed to dupilumab during pregnancy and lactation.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Dupilumab; Pregnancy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr Lobo has served as a sub-investigator for AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Janssen, Leo Pharma, Mayne, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Sun Pharmaceuticals, and Union Chimique Belge. Dr Lee has served as a sub-investigator for AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Janssen, Leo Pharma, Mayne, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi, Sun Pharmaceuticals, and Union Chimique Belge. Dr Spelman has served on advisory boards for AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Janssen and Novartis; has served as an investigator for AbbVie, Amgen, Anacor, Ascend Biopharmaceuticals, Astellas, Australian Wool Innovation Limited, Blaze Bioscience, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Botanix, Celgene, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Galderma, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Kythera, Leo Pharma, Mayne, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Phosphagenics, Regeneron, Sanofi, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Trius, and Union Chimique Belge; and has received sponsored travel from Abbott, Novartis, and Janssen.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Timeline showing the influence of treatment with dupilumab on severity of atopic dermatitis before, during, and after pregnancy, as reflected by the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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