The efficacy of shortening an administration period with omalizumab

A 64-year old male who had been treated with oral predisolone for severe bronchial asthma had started the treatment of omalizumab administration every 4 weeks since December 2009 and his symptoms had prominently improved. However, he complained the recurrence of his symptoms 4 weeks after administration of omalizumab and the mean times of SABA use had also increased from 0.61/day (1-2w) to 0.95/day (4w). Therefore, we had shortened the interval of omalizumab to 3 from 4 weeks since April 2010. Consequently, his symptoms have improved with increase of Asthma Control Test (15.67→21.33) and it has been possible to reduce the oral prednisolone. Recently, we can use the omalizumab and have extended the choice of treatment for severe bronchial asthma. However, it is predicted that there are some patients who have clinical problems for continuing the recommendation dose or intervals. We report a case with a brief review of the literature.