Real-world efficacy of 2% crisaborole ointment on chronic hyperplasia lesions in 49 patients with atopic dermatitis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Crisaborole, as a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor (PDE4i), effectively inhibits inflammatory pathways, showing promising results in atopic dermatitis (AD), particularly in chronic hyperplasia lesions. OBJECTIVES: Based on real-world data from China, this study assesses the effectiveness and safety of 2% PDE4i ointment as monotherapy for chronic hyperplastic AD lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 49 AD patients aged 12 and above with chronic hyperplastic lesions and Investigator's Static Global Assessment scores of mild or moderate were enrolled. They received 2% PDE4i ointment twice daily until the lesions completely cleared. The effectiveness endpoints comprised the onset time of pruritus and lesion remission and the time of complete lesion clearance. RESULTS: PDE4i demonstrated high effectiveness with minimal irritation, notable improvement in hyperpigmentation, and early remission of pruritus and lesions. The response varied across age groups; elderly patients experienced quicker pruritus relief compared to adolescents and adults, while adolescents showed earlier lesion remission by about 3 days. No significant difference was observed across age groups in the time for complete lesion clearance. Additionally, AD duration (less or more than 3 years) did not significantly impact pruritus or lesion remission. CONCLUSIONS: PDE4i monotherapy is effective and safe for chronic hyperplasia lesions in AD across all age groups, and its effectiveness appears to be independent of AD duration.