Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Eosinophilic complications during dupilumab therapy for type 2 diseases: a systematic review
M Lazzeroni1, P Kemp2, W J Fokkens2
1Amsterdam Rhinology Team, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Background:
Dupilumab shows promising results in the management of several type 2 disorders. However, it often leads to transient, early increases in blood eosinophil count (BEC). This has led to awareness of possibly associated eosinophilic complications, such as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Aim of the current work was to collect all eosinophilic complications reported in literature.
Methodology:
PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched for papers reporting on eosinophilic complications of dupilumab therapy for type 2 disorders.
Results:
While around one million patients are treated with dupilumab globally, we identified a total of 35 reports on 53 patients. The most common complications were EGPA: 24 patients, eosinophilic pneumonia: 15, and HES: 6. Complications developed after a median of 9 (range: 0-71) weeks and the median eosinophilic count at the moment of diagnosis was 6.38x109 cells/L (IQR 3.13- 9.08). Most complications were treated with systemic corticosteroids. Of all patients, 89% discontinued dupilumab therapy and no deceased patients were reported.
Conclusions:
Reported eosinophilic complications during dupilumab therapy are extremely rare and mostly develop during the first months of treatment, challenging the need for (prolonged) BEC monitoring during dupilumab therapy. No patient patterns or predictors were identified.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma