Current and Emerging Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis in the Elderly

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Geriatrics
• Immunology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) in the elderly is an emerging subgroup with increasing incidence.
• Pathophysiology involves epidermal barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and chronic pruritus.
• Older adults face challenges adhering to topical treatments and trigger avoidance, leading to disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current treatment strategies for atopic dermatitis in the elderly.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of systemic treatments, including biologics and JAK inhibitors.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for managing moderate-to-severe AD in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on AD treatment in the elderly.
• Analysis of clinical trial data for dupilumab and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.
• Evaluation of safety profiles and adverse event risks in older populations.

Main Results:

• Dupilumab demonstrates efficacy and safety as a first-line systemic treatment for moderate-to-severe AD in the elderly, comparable to adults.
• JAK inhibitors offer clinical benefits but carry higher risks of adverse events in older patients.
• Limited inclusion of elderly patients in studies necessitates cautious interpretation of findings.

Conclusions:

• Dupilumab is a recommended first-line systemic therapy for elderly AD patients.
• JAK inhibitors should be considered only when other options are unsuitable, requiring population-specific data for safe use.
• Further research focusing on elderly populations is crucial for optimizing AD management in this demographic.