Systemic Targeted Therapies Show Promise for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis

A recent study evaluated the efficacy and safety of using systemic targeted therapies for atopic dermatitis in children. The analysis aimed to clarify the benefits and potential risks of biologics and small-molecule treatments in the pediatric population.

This review included 10 studies reported across 11 articles, encompassing 1,760 children treated with three systemic agents: dupilumab, abrocitinib, and upadacitinib. Primary outcomes assessed eczema severity using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and treatment-emergent adverse events.

Results demonstrated that systemic targeted therapies significantly improved eczema severity. However, subgroup analysis revealed that small-molecule therapies were associated with adverse events, whereas biologics did not show this trend. Other efficacy outcomes also showed improvement, and no other significant safety concerns were noted.

The findings suggest systemic targeted therapies are effective and generally safe for managing atopic dermatitis in children. Clinicians should consider these therapies, with careful monitoring for adverse events, particularly when prescribing small-molecule agents.

Kawamoto N, Murai H, Nogami K, Yamamoto T, Kikkawa T, Yasutomi-Sakai M, Yamamoto-Hanada K, Futamura M, Ohya Y. Efficacy and safety of systemic targeted therapies for atopic dermatitis in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Allergology International. 2025 Feb 6.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1323893025000012