Treatment of Severe Recalcitrant Atopic Dermatitis with Dupilumab in a Kidney Transplant Patient

Abstract

This case report highlights the successful treatment of refractory atopic dermatitis (AD) in an immunosuppressed patient using dupilumab, a biologic agent that selectively targets cytokines crucial in the pathogenesis of AD. The patient had a history of failed treatment with numerous topical and systemic immunomodulating agents, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs for organ transplant. Dupilumab treatment resulted in significant improvement of symptoms, including reduced pruritus, and ultimately achieved disease control. Importantly, the patient experienced no adverse effects apart from one COVID-19 infection over three years of co-administration of dupilumab with immunosuppressive transplant rejection treatment. The safety of dupilumab in immunocompromised and transplant patients has been a concern, but studies have shown its safety and efficacy in these patient populations. This case highlights the potential for dupilumab as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with severe AD who are immunocompromised or have undergone solid organ transplantation.