Characterization of a Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Enthesitis and Arthritis in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis Treated With Dupilumab, an Interleukin‐4/13 Inhibitor

Abstract

ObjectiveTo characterize the presentation and outcomes of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) who developed musculoskeletal symptoms after treatment with dupilumab, a human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that blocks the functions of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IL‐13, key pathologic pathways in AD.MethodsThis article reports an observational cohort of patients receiving dupilumab who developed new‐onset musculoskeletal symptoms after dupilumab therapy at our center. All patients had a comprehensive rheumatologic history and examination, with imaging by ultrasonography (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in most patients.ResultsBetween October 2018 and February 2021, we recorded 470 patients with AD commencing dupilumab treatment from routine clinical care records. Of 36 patients referred for rheumatologic assessment, we identified 26 patients (14 male, 12 female) with a musculoskeletal syndrome of inflammatory enthesitis, arthritis, and/or tenosynovitis. Clinical findings were confirmed by US and MRI. All patients had very good response to dupilumab treatment, and no specific predictors of musculoskeletal syndrome were noted. Symptoms were mild in 16 patients, moderate in 6 patients, and severe in 4 patients. Receipt of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors, reduction of dupilumab dose/frequency, and cessation of dupilumab therapy led to improvement, but moderate or severe symptoms persisted for many months.ConclusionWe report a new musculoskeletal syndrome of inflammatory enthesitis/arthritis/tenosynovitis in some patients receiving the IL‐4 receptor antagonist dupilumab. This response to a cytokine‐targeting therapy provides key insights into the pathogenesis of enthesitis.

Biologics and small molecules treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis patients with comorbid conditions and special populations: an Italian perspective

“…In most cases, the symptoms were mild and did not require discontinuation of DUP. However, in cases of moderate-to-severe arthritis, administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or discontinuation of DUP was necessary (59)(60)(61)(62)(63)(64)(65). Bostan et al reported a case of reactivation of inflammatory monoarthritis during DUP therapy (66).…”

The Rare Adverse Effect of Myalgia After Dupilumab Biologic Therapy for Refractory Atopic Dermatitis

“…We present a case report for a patient experiencing severe myalgia located in bilateral thighs after using dupilumab. Our goal is to increase awareness of this severe but rare adverse effect and to provide clinically relevant information for providers who utilize dupilumab [ 2 , 3 ].…”