Effectiveness of Systemic Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis in the Head-and-Neck-Area: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

backgroundInvolvement of the head-and-neck area in atopic dermatitis (AD) is common, associated with reduced quality of life, and suggested as an independent criterion for moderate-to-severe AD. The effectiveness of systemic therapies for AD specifically in the head-and-neck area remains underexplored.

objectiveThe objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of approved anti-inflammatory systemic therapies for AD in the head-and-neck area through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

methodsWe conducted a systematic literature search in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA) indentifying studies reporting response to systemic anti-inflammatory therapies for AD in the head-and-neck region. Searches were conducted in the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception through June 2025. The primary outcomes were mean percentage change of Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) for the head-and-neck region (EASI-HN), and proportion of patients achieving 75% improvement of EASI for the head-and-neck region (EASI75-HN). Meta-analyses were performed where data permitted.

resultsIn total, 22 publications, encompassing 32 unique studies and 11,372 patients in total, met the inclusion criteria. Of the 22 included publications, eight were post hoc analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 14 were observational real-world studies. Across studies, the mean reductions of EASI-HN after 16 weeks of treatment ranged from 59% (dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) without topical therapy) and 67% (lebrikizumab 250 mg Q2W without topical therapy) to 80% (upadacitinib 30 mg once daily (QD) without topical therapy) and 85% (dupilumab 300 mg Q2W with concomitant topical therapy). EASI75-HN after 16 weeks of treatment ranged from 20% (baricitinib 2 and 4 mg QD) to 66% (upadacitinib 30 mg QD). Evidence for the conventional systemic therapies, cyclosporine and methotrexate, was limited and not readily comparable to the other treatments.

conclusionsIn this systematic review, biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) were effective in treating AD in the head-and-neck region, achieving treatment responses comparable to those observed in other body regions. Further research providing direct comparison between therapies are warranted.