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. 2025 Aug;37(4):216-227.
doi: 10.5021/ad.24.154.

Consensus-Based Guidelines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea (Part II): Biologics and JAK inhibitors

Affiliations

Consensus-Based Guidelines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Korea (Part II): Biologics and JAK inhibitors

Hyun-Chang Ko et al. Ann Dermatol. 2025 Aug.

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed.

Objective: This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based recommendations.

Methods: The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved.

Results: This guideline provides treatment guidance on advanced systemic treatment modalities for AD. In particular, the guideline offers up-to-date treatment recommendations for biologics and Janus-kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD. It also provides guidance on other therapies for AD, along with tailored recommendations for children, adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Conclusion: KADA's updated AD treatment guidelines incorporate the latest evidence and expert opinion to provide a comprehensive approach to AD treatment. The guidelines will help clinicians optimize patient-specific therapies.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Biologics; Consensus; Guideline; Janus Kinase inhibitors; Republic of Korea.

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Conflict of interest statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Treatment algorithm for patients with atopic dermatitis in Korea. The text in bold indicates a treatment with recommendation A (strong recommendation for using an intervention).
AD: atopic dermatitis, JAK: Janus-kinase. *Switchable in insufficient response or intolerable due to adverse effects. Insufficient response is defined as an AD patient who fails to achieve Eczema Area and Severity Index 50, or meets one or more of the following criteria after 3 months of appropriate treatment: a daytime or nighttime itch numeric rating scale score ≥4, or a Dermatology Life Quality Index ≥6.

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