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Efficacy of dupilumab in prurigo nodularis in elderly patient
Author(s) -
Giura Maria T.,
Viola Riccardo,
Fierro Maria T.,
Ribero Simone,
Ortoncelli Michela
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
dermatologic therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1529-8019
pISSN - 1396-0296
DOI - 10.1111/dth.13201
Subject(s) - medicine , prurigo nodularis , dupilumab , dermatology life quality index , dermatology , prurigo , quality of life (healthcare) , atopic dermatitis , nursing , psoriasis
Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic disorder, affecting adults, with multiple nodules, typically on the limbs. The treatment is challenging, especially in elderly patients. An 85‐year‐old woman had developed in the last 3 years itch with nodular lesions and erythematous scaly patches and excoriations. The extension of the lesions was evaluated by body surface area (BSA) score and the patient's itch and disease‐related sleep disorders by a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) from 0 to 10. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and blood chemistry were performed before and during the therapy. At the baseline, the BSA score was 56%. Itch and disease‐related sleep disorders were, respectively, NRS 10 and 5 and DLQI was 9. Total IgE count and lactate dehydrogenase were increased. After starting dupilumab, there was a rapid improvement, especially in pruritus. The patient reported the maximum peak of pruritus every day for 6 months. At this time, the itch almost disappeared and clinically only postinflammatory lesions appreciated, with normalization of the blood tests and without any side effects.