Management of Patients Affected by Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis with JAK Inhibitors in Real-World Clinical Practice: An Italian Delphi Consensus

Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2024 Apr;14(4):919-932. doi: 10.1007/s13555-024-01135-x. Epub 2024 Mar 21.

Abstract

Introduction: Several systemic therapies have been approved for the treatment of severe AD. In particular, Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), including abrocitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib, recently received approval for the treatment of patients with severe AD after being evaluated in several clinical trials. However, a few concerns have been raised regarding their long-term safety and the management of these drugs in real-world clinical practice. In this article we described the results of a Delphi consensus aimed at describing the knowledge on JAKi and focusing, in particular, on providing clinical recommendations for dermatologists in daily practice regarding the use of these drugs.

Methods: Twelve Italian dermatologists reviewed the most recent literature regarding the efficacy and safety profiles of JAKi and proposed 24 statements.

Results: Agreement was reached for statements focusing on three main topics: (1) place in therapy of JAKi in patients with moderate-to-severe AD; (2) effectiveness and safety of JAK inhibitors in different phenotypes; (3) different approaches to the management of patients treated with JAKi in clinical practice. The panel proposed several recommendations regarding all the statements.

Conclusion: Given the wide use of JAKi in clinical practice, it is crucial to establish a specific follow-up for each patient's phenotype in order to achieve the best possible clinical outcome and minimize potential adverse events.

Keywords: Abrocitinib; Baricitinib; Consensus; Delphi; JAK inhibitors; Real life; Upadacitinib.