The effects of dupilumab treatment on general health-related work productivity of adult atopic patients.

BACKGROUND Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with negative impact on general health-related quality of life and work productivity. The objective was to investigate the improvement of work productivity and activity impairment associated to ameliorated general health in moderate-to severe AD patients during dupilumab treatment. METHODS We enrolled adult atopic patients with clinical indication to dupilumab therapy. The patients were required to be employed at baseline. At baseline and after 16 weeks, the AD severity was evaluated using EASI, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pruritus (P-NRS) and sleep (S-NRS), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Work impairment and activity impairment on general health were assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: General Health (WPAI:GH) questionnaire. RESULTS Two hundred sixty-eight patients were enrolled, 243 [131 males (53.91%)] completed the study. At week 16, 64.61% of patients achieved EASI75, 29.21% EASI50, and 6.17% EASI90. Likewise, a significant improvement in P-NRS, S-NRS, and DLQI was observed. At baseline, 90 patients were part-time employed, while 153 reported a full-time employment. During the 16 weeks of dupilumab therapy, we observed a significant decrease in percentage mean of absenteeism, presenteeism, and total work productivity impairment. CONCLUSIONS Improvement of general health in moderate to severe AD patients treated with dupilumab seems to be associate with improvements in work-related outcomes.