Dupilumab associated ocular findings

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea & Miscellaneous
Session Date/Time: Saturday 22/02/2020 | 08:30-11:10
Paper Time: 10:08
Venue: Auditorium des Ministres.

First Author: M.Popiela GIBRALTAR
Co Author(s): R. Borbara  A. Turnbull  P. Hossain           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Dupilumab is a novel treatment for eczema targeting interleukin (IL)-4 receptor alpha. It is known to cause ocular surface problems but little is known about the duration of eye related problems and need for long term treatment. Aim of this study was to determine the incidence of dupilumab associated eye disease, establish ocular burden of this medication and need for long-term ocular therapy.

Setting:

Study took place at the University Hospital of Southampton.

Methods:

Study seeked approval by the Health Research Authority. Patients developing dupilumab associated eye disease between January 2017 and August 2019 were included in the study. Data was collected retrospectively on demographics, ocular disease natural history and need for long -term treatment from electronic patient records.

Results:

Twelve patients developed dupilumab associated ocular surface disease on average within 8 +/- 6 weeks of starting the drug. Mean age of patients was 39.5 +/-12.8 years.  Three patients were diagnosed with dry eyes, 9 with severe conjunctivitis and 2 developed cicatrisation in lower fornix. Initial treatment included topical steroids in 10 patients with good response. Seven patients required maintenance topical steroids at average of 14 months follow up due to relapse of symptoms on stopping the drops.  One patient suffered severe conjunctivitis with loss of lashes necessitating discontinuation of dupilumab. No patients lost vision or developed significant side-effects.

Conclusions:

Thirty -two percent of patients receiving dupilumab have developed drug- associated conjunctivitis in our series. This necessitated long-term treatment with topical steroids in 70% of patients to control symptoms. No patient suffered visual loss as result of this treatment.

Financial Disclosure: