Trending News Today: Dupilumab Improves Symptoms, Quality of Life in Atopic Dermatitis

Results from a new phase 3 study demonstrated that dupilumab (Dupixent) can significantly improve the signs, symptoms, and quality of life associated with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, MD Magazine reported. According to the article, the study randomized patients to either 200 mg, 300 mg dupilumab every 2 weeks; 300 mg dupilumab every 4 weeks; or placebo. A combined 41.5% of patients administered bi-weekly dupilumab achieved Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI-75) improvement and 38.1% of patients administered 300 mg dupilumab every 4 weeks reached the endpoint, the article reported.

A recent report from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association found that more US millennials have chronic health conditions, such as depression, hypertension, and high cholesterol, Bloomberg reported. According to the article, between 2014 and 2017, rates of depression among millennials surged by 31%, whereas hyperactivity rose 29% and hypertension increased 16%, the report showed. Under the worst case scenario, the report estimated that millennial health care costs could increase 33% compared with the prior generation, the article reported.

A new study suggests that chronic stress may be linked to increased high blood pressure risk for African Americans, Reuters reported. According to the article, the study included 1829 participants who attended 3 assessments, had physical exams, and answered interview questions with follow-ups every year. Overall, the results showed that approximately half developed hypertension over an average 7-year follow up, with approximately 30% of new diagnoses happening after a period of lower stress, 35% after years of moderate stress, and almost 40% after a period of chronic stress, the article reported.