Corneal Complications Related to Dupilumab Use

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Dupilumab is a biologic therapy increasingly used for atopic dermatitis.
• While conjunctivitis is a known side effect, severe ocular complications are less common.
• Atypical corneal issues necessitate awareness among clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on unusual corneal complications observed in patients using dupilumab.
• To highlight the spectrum of ocular adverse events associated with dupilumab therapy.

Main Methods:

• A case series of four adult patients experiencing corneal complications.
• Patients were diagnosed with infiltrative or ulcerative keratitis.
• Corneal disease was linked to dupilumab use for atopic dermatitis.

Main Results:

• All four patients developed corneal lesions (infiltrative or ulcerative) after starting dupilumab.
• Discontinuation of dupilumab and topical corticosteroids resolved the keratitis in all cases.
• Two patients received prophylactic antibiotics for presumed infection.

Conclusions:

• Physicians should consider severe corneal complications as a potential adverse effect of dupilumab.
• Prompt recognition and intervention, including drug cessation and topical steroids, are crucial for managing dupilumab-associated keratitis.