Evolving Landscape of Systemic Therapy for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in children. Standard-of-care treatment has been topical therapy. Oral corticosteroids are also commonly used to treat intermittent flares, despite guidelines that recommend against this practice. In 2017, the first targeted biologic agent indicated for moderate-severe AD in adults received US Food and Drug Administration approval. The success of this drug, dupilumab, filled a significant unmet medical need and inspired additional interest in new drug development. This article summarizes safe and effective use of systemic therapy for moderate-severe AD in pediatric patients, highlighting dupilumab and the most promising emerging treatments.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Biologic; Comorbidities; Dupilumab; Quality of life; Safety.