Efficacy and safety of delgocitinib in treating chronic hand eczema: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a persistent inflammatory skin condition that is often difficult to manage and associated with substantial functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Delgocitinib, a topical pan-Janus kinase inhibitor, has emerged as a potential nonsteroidal therapeutic option for CHE. 

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of delgocitinib in adult patients with chronic hand eczema using evidence from randomized controlled trials. 

Research Design: This study was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. 

Study Sample: The study sample comprised individual randomized controlled trials that enrolled adult patients diagnosed with chronic hand eczema and compared topical delgocitinib with vehicle control. 

Data Collection and/or Analysis: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify eligible randomized controlled trials. Data on treatment efficacy and adverse events were extracted and pooled using random-effects meta-analysis, with results expressed as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. 

Results: Pooled analysis demonstrated that delgocitinib significantly improved treatment outcomes compared with vehicle controls. The odds ratio for treatment success at week 8 was 3.53 (95% CI: 2.28–5.45), and at week 16 was 3.56 (95% CI: 1.93–6.57), indicating sustained efficacy over time. There was no significant increase in adverse events associated with delgocitinib use, with an odds ratio of 1.03 (95% CI: 0.79–1.60). 

Conclusions: Delgocitinib demonstrates significant and sustained efficacy in improving clinical outcomes in adult patients with chronic hand eczema, without an associated increase in adverse event risk. These findings support delgocitinib as an effective and well-tolerated nonsteroidal treatment option for chronic hand eczema.