Friend or Foe? Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) Onset After Dupilumab: Report of Two Cases and a Narrative Review of the Literature

Background/Objectives: Dupilumab is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-4 receptor α subunit, inhibiting interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signalling, and suppressing type 2 inflammation. It is approved for several eosinophilic and type 2 inflammatory diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, asthma, atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic oesophagitis, and, more recently, eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although generally well tolerated, dupilumab has been associated with peripheral eosinophilia and, rarely, eosinophil-mediated complications. This study aims to describe cases of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) occurring after dupilumab initiation and to review available evidence on this association. Methods: We describe two cases of new-onset EGPA developing after the introduction of dupilumab therapy, analysing clinical features, laboratory findings, management, and outcomes. A narrative review of published case reports and literature addressing dupilumab-associated eosinophilia and EGPA was also performed. Results: Both patients developed EGPA after starting dupilumab, presenting with marked peripheral eosinophilia and systemic manifestations consistent with the disease. Clinical improvement was observed following dupilumab discontinuation and initiation of appropriate immunosuppressive treatment. The literature review identified a small number of similar reports describing EGPA onset or unmasking in temporal association with dupilumab, mainly in patients with underlying type 2 inflammatory disorders. Conclusions: While a causal relationship between dupilumab and EGPA remains unproven, these findings highlight the importance of clinical awareness. Dupilumab remains an effective therapy for severe type 2 inflammatory diseases; careful monitoring may allow early recognition and management of rare eosinophilic complications.

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Journal
Rheumato
Published
2026-04-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/rheumato6020010
Primary Topic
Vasculitis and related conditions
Type
article
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article

Friend or Foe? Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) Onset After Dupilumab: Report of Two Cases and a Narrative Review of the Literature

Jacopo Mora, Franco Franceschini, Ilaria Cavazzana, Francesca Regola et al.
Rheumato
Vasculitis and related conditions
article

Friend or Foe? Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) Onset After Dupilumab: Report of Two Cases and a Narrative Review of the Literature

Jacopo Mora, Franco Franceschini, Ilaria Cavazzana, Francesca Regola, Paola Toniati, Giulia Fontana, Alessia Gatti
article en

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Dupilumab is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-4 receptor α subunit, inhibiting interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signalling, and suppressing type 2 inflammation. It is approved for several eosinophilic and type 2 inflammatory diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, asthma, atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic oesophagitis, and, more recently, eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although generally well tolerated, dupilumab has been associated with peripheral eosinophilia and, rarely, eosinophil-mediated complications. This study aims to describe cases of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) occurring after dupilumab initiation and to review available evidence on this association. Methods: We describe two cases of new-onset EGPA developing after the introduction of dupilumab therapy, analysing clinical features, laboratory findings, management, and outcomes. A narrative review of published case reports and literature addressing dupilumab-associated eosinophilia and EGPA was also performed. Results: Both patients developed EGPA after starting dupilumab, presenting with marked peripheral eosinophilia and systemic manifestations consistent with the disease. Clinical improvement was observed following dupilumab discontinuation and initiation of appropriate immunosuppressive treatment. The literature review identified a small number of similar reports describing EGPA onset or unmasking in temporal association with dupilumab, mainly in patients with underlying type 2 inflammatory disorders. Conclusions: While a causal relationship between dupilumab and EGPA remains unproven, these findings highlight the importance of clinical awareness. Dupilumab remains an effective therapy for severe type 2 inflammatory diseases; careful monitoring may allow early recognition and management of rare eosinophilic complications.

RheumatoVol. 6(2)
Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia (IT), University of Brescia (IT)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 18%
Vasculitis and related conditions
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