Omalizumab in the management of oral corticosteroid-dependent IGE-mediated asthma patients

AbstractBackground:Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of omalizumab in asthma patients. Here we describe the drug’s tolerance and oral corticosteroid sparing capacity in a long-term observational study.Methods:Thirty-two patients aged ≥18 years with obstructive airway disease and FEV1 reversibility ≥12% and 200 mL, with an oral steroid requirement ≥7.5 mg per day of prednisolone during a period of ≥1 year, a positive prick test or in vitro reactivity (RAST) to at least one perennial aeroallergen and a baseline immunoglobulin E level ranking between 30–700 IU/mL were prospectively followed for 17.2 ± 8.5 months. Patients were visited once or twice a month, depending on their schedule for omalizumab administration. Intervention: blood analysis every six months; spirometry and nitric oxide measurement at every visit.Results:One patient who dropped out early was excluded. Follow-up period: the treatment benefited 83.9% (26/31) of the cohort; oral corticosteroids were reduced from 7.19 ± ...