Two differing presentations of periocular dermatitis as a side effect of dupilumab for atopic dermatitis

ABSTRACT

Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat atopic dermatitis. Worsening of atopic dermatitis and conjunctivitis following dupilumab use are reported adverse effects; however, there is little reported on the nature and mechanism of these complications. Here, we describe two patients with chronic atopic dermatitis who developed new or severely worsened periocular dermatitis, believed to be a side effect of dupilumab injections, and resolution after its discontinuation. We explore the possibility of dupilumab-induced suppression of Th2 mediated inflammation and upregulation of Th1 and IFNγ mediated inflammation as a possible mechanism.

KEYWORDS:

• Periocular dermatitis
• dupilumab
• atopic dermatitis
• allergic contact dermatitis
• adverse effect

Disclosure statement

Dr. Belsito has served as an advisor to Sanofi, the US marketer for dupilumab. Ms. Yamane and Dr. Dagi Glass have no financial interests to disclose. The authors alone and responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

An unrestricted departmental grant from Research to Prevent Blindness.