Immunosuppressive and immunomodulating therapy for atopic dermatitis in pregnancy: an appraisal of the literature.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common dermatological diagnosis during pregnancy. Treatment of AD during pregnancy can be challenging, due to the unpredictable course and the fact that the therapy needs to be safe for both the mother and the fetus. Here we present an up-to-date appraisal of the literature on the treatment options available for AD in patients planning pregnancy, during pregnancy, and during breastfeeding. All patients with AD are recommended to supplement any medical treatment with daily applications of emollients. The first step in the medical treatment for AD during pregnancy are topical corticosteroids, and/or topical tacrolimus. If required, UV-light therapy can also be considered. Treatment with systemic therapy during pregnancy should always rely on a careful risk-benefit assessment and be based on shared-decision making between the treating physician and patient. The first-line systemic treatment option is cyclosporine A, whereas azathioprine may be considered in patients already receiving this treatment prior to pregnancy. Systemic glucocorticoids may also be used. Treatment with systemic JAK inhibitors is not recommended, whereas treatment with mycophenolate mofetil and methotrexate is contraindicated. Targeted therapy with dupilumab is not generally recommended, due to lack of experience in human pregnancies, yet some case-reports on their use are emerging. These recommendations are based on the authors appraisal of existing literature and the current recommendation from the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis. It is always the responsibility of the treating physician to stay updated on the newest guidelines and literature when treating patients with AD during pregnancy.

The impact of home treatment and self-administration of omalizumab on chronic urticaria.

Background: Patients suffering from Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) may be recalcitrant to treatment with high dose second-generation antihistamines. These patients are, according to international guidelines, eligible to treatment with omalizumab. Treatment with omalizumab has proven to be very effective for this group of patients. Until 2018, when the self-administration of omalizumab was approved, patients have had to visit an outpatient clinic to receive the treatment. Methods: In this study we performed a survey among 75 CSU patients who had changed their treatment from administration at an outpatient clinic to self-administration at home. Results: None of the patients experienced decreased effect of the treatment with omalizumab, whereas 41.4% reported improved effect of the treatment during self-administration.The most common reported benefits for the patients were decreased travel time and the ability to choose dosing time at the day of treatment, whereas the most reported concern was fear of performing the injection. Conclusions: Patients are very content with self-administration of omalizumab. There has been no decreased effect of the treatment, and as discussed in this paper, there might be other societal benefits from self-administration. Thus, self-administration at home of omalizumab should be standard of care when using this treatment.

Immunosuppressive and Immunomodulating Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis in Pregnancy: An Appraisal of the Literature.

The aim of this appraisal of the literature is to elucidate the effects of immunosuppressive and immunomodulating agents used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) on risk factors for fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Negative side effects of the psychological and physical stresses associated to AD flairs and uncontrolled AD are discussed, in order to evaluate the consequences of abstaining from treatment. Research on pregnancies in Danish women suggests a tendency towards an increased use of topical steroids and ultraviolet light therapy during pregnancy, compared to before conception, confirming the need for these patients to receive treatment, as well as decreased use of systemic treatments, suggesting a tendency towards undertreatment in this patient population. It is important that effective treatment be provided to pregnant women with AD. Here we present an appraisal of current knowledge on treatments for AD and the risks of exposure for the fetus and breastfed infant. Since little is known about the association between AD, pregnancy, and systemic treatment, we generalize conclusions based on studies on treatments of pregnant women who have undergone organ transplantation and who have inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatic disease, and autoimmune disease. The majority of recommendations are therefore based on a low or very low quality of evidence according to the GRADE system. The selected studies reflect the authors' assessment regarding originality and importance in the context of this appraisal. It is always the treating doctor's responsibility to stay updated on current literature when treating patients, especially pregnant patients.