A Single-Center Experience with Dupilumab for Atopic or Psoriasiform Dermatitis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Introduction Dupilumab blocks IL4/IL13 and is used in atopic disease. There are concerns that blockade may lead to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) inception or activity. Limited data exist on the use of this therapy in patients with IBD; we aimed to describe our experience using dupilumab in IBD to treat concomitant atopic dermatitis (AD) or anti-TNF-induced dermatitis. Methods We analyzed the electronic medical records (2018-2022) in a single, tertiary care center to identify patients with IBD on dupilumab. Clinical and demographic data were gathered, including disease location/behavior, personal/family history of atopy, indication for and response to dupilumab, IBD medication history, and adverse events. Results Seventeen patients (65% Crohn's) were identified with IBD on dupilumab for dermatitis; 9 for severe AD and 8 for a worsened dermatitis, either AD or psoriasiform dermatitis (PD), induced by anti-TNF. They were treated for a median 1.2 [IQR 0.6-2.3] years. All patients had a dermatologic response to dupilumab and remained on dupilumab at last follow-up. No adverse events were identified, including no increase in IBD activity. In those with dermatitis worsened or induced by anti-TNF, all started dupilumab in combination with another biologic: 3 with anti-TNF, 4 with ustekinumab, and 1 with vedolizumab. Seven of the eight had a response to the initial combination of biologics; however, one patient using dupilumab-anti-TNF ultimately changed to combination dupilumab-ustekinumab to achieve resolution of the dermatitis. Conclusion Dupilumab is safe and effective for dermatitis in patients with IBD, both primary atopic dermatitis and dermatitis induced or worsened by anti-TNF.