Terrific improvement of refractory atopic dermatitis with benralizumab (anti-IL5 receptor) therapy

ABSTRACT

In 2012 a 25-year-old man presented to our outpatient clinic for severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and severe allergic eosinophilic asthma in polisensitivity (house dust mite, cat, gramineous plants, birch, milk protein and, in particular, Alternaria). His clinical history was also characterized by gastro-esophageal reflux disease and chronic rhinitis without polyposis, with septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy, worthy of surgical intervention. History taking revealed egg and cow milk protein allergy and severe asthma since the first months of life, with frequent hospital admissions due to exacerbations. AD was severe and diffuse, involving especially face, neck, back and superior limbs, often complicated by impetigo. The esthetic, social and psychological impact led him to quit his job as a barman. At presentation, the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score was 72/72. Laboratory tests showed eosinophilic count ranging between 1.060 and 2.140/mm3, and high serum levels of total Immunoglobulin E (5.939 kUI/L). Tryptase levels were normal and autoantibody analysis was negative. Parasite stool examination was negative. Nasal swab tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus, which was treated with Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim. Asthma Control Test was 15/25, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) showed mild obstruction (FEV1 4.43 L, 103%, FEV1/FVC 69%), with positive bronchodilator testing (FEV1 5.12 L, + 670 mL, + 16%). Firstly, he was treated with topical steroids and sometimes with oral corticosteroids, with poor response. Then, in July 2019, he initiated therapy with cyclosporine 3-5 mg/kg. Soon, the drug had to be discontinued due to adverse effects (gastrointestinal symptoms and infections). In November 2019, at the age of 32 years, he started therapy with monoclonal antibody anti-IL-5 receptor alpha (benralizumab 30 mg 1 subcutaneous vial every 4 weeks for the first three administrations and then every 8 weeks), with a terrific clinical improvement of AD since the first administrations and with benefit on asthma control (ACT after the first administration increased up to 25/25;PFTs could not be performed, due to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic). This therapy has always been well tolerated. The eosinophilic count decreased to 0/mm3 after the first administration. At the moment, after one year of therapy, AD is almost fully disappeared (EASI SCORE 4/72), despite being in free diet, and the quality of life of the patient has definitely improved.