International survey of treatment practices for atopic dermatitis in pregnant and breastfeeding women: Physician perspectives

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Systemic treatment of pregnant/breastfeeding atopic dermatitis (AD) patients is challenging due to limited safety data. We explored treatment practices with systemic agents, including the guideline-recommended cyclosporine as the first systemic choice as well as emerging therapies, in this vulnerable population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network (GA2LEN) ADCARE initiative collected data from physicians worldwide who treat pregnant women with AD. Physicians completed an electronic questionnaire on the use of systemic agents in pregnant/breastfeeding AD patients. RESULTS: 103 physicians from 32 countries completed the survey, primarily dermatologists (n = 48) or allergologists (n = 43). Antihistamines were the systemic drug most often considered to be used during pregnancy/breastfeeding (n = 73/81, 90.1%), with fewer physicians considering the use of systemic agents for the first trimester compared to later stages of pregnancy. For acute flares, systemic corticosteroids (n = 34/80, 42.5%) were preferred, followed by biologics and antihistamines (each n = 15/80, 18.8%). Although the guideline-recommended cyclosporine is sometimes considered for AD during pregnancy (n = 38/81, 46.9%), it was rarely considered as the preferred drug by physicians (n = 1/80, 1.25%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a misalignment between guideline recommendations and prescription patterns and highlights an unmet need for knowing and using the existing recommendations.