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  • Presentation

Considerations When Using Systemic Treatments in Special Populations of Adults with Atopic Dermatitis

Description

Dr. Abu Abara from UCSF discusses systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis in special populations during his presentation. He highlights that information regarding these populations often lacks data from randomized trials due to their exclusion from such studies, relying instead on real-world evidence. The talk covers considerations for pregnant and nursing women, noting that while atopic dermatitis can worsen during pregnancy, treatment should not be avoided due to risks of under-treatment, emphasizing the importance of discussing risks and benefits. He presents a stoplight diagram indicating safety levels of various drugs, advocating phototherapy and biologics as safer options. He reviews data on infections, particularly HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and zoster, suggesting that phototherapy is generally safe across these conditions, while caution is advised for traditional systemics and JAK inhibitors. The final segment addresses older adults, emphasizing the limited representation of this demographic in clinical trials and the potential increase in certain adverse effects. Overall, Dr. Abara encourages the use of targeted treatments in these unique populations, noting the importance of continual monitoring and the evolving landscape of therapeutic options available for atopic dermatitis.

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Conclusions

  • Atopic dermatitis during pregnancy occurs commonly and often affects those without a prior history of the condition.
  • Monitoring and discussing treatment options is essential for atopic dermatitis during pregnancy due to potential impacts on both mother and fetus.
  • Phototherapy is generally considered safe for pregnant women and may be beneficial, though it should be administered with caution due to effects on folic acid levels.
  • Cyclosporine shows promise in treating atopic dermatitis during pregnancy, but its use requires monitoring due to potential adverse outcomes.
  • Biologics like dupilumab and tralokinumab have reassuring preclinical data regarding safety in pregnancy, though further clinical evidence is limited.
  • JAK inhibitors are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to potential teratogenic effects, and should ideally be stopped at least a month before conception.
  • Treatment of atopic dermatitis in HIV-positive patients should consider phototherapy and certain biologics, as some treatments show stable viral loads and CD4 counts.
  • Infection risks associated with traditional systemic treatments must be carefully evaluated in patients with HIV, hepatitis, and other infections.
  • Older adults may face unique treatment challenges due to comorbidities and changes in drug metabolism; therefore, treatment modalities should be individualized.
  • There is limited clinical trial data for older adults with atopic dermatitis, necessitating caution due to potential adverse effects from treatments.
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