Use of Omalizumab to treat a nine-year old, with steroid-dependent, allergic asthma, adrenal insufficiency and vertebral compression fractures due to steroid induced severe osteoporosis

Background In Canada, Omalizumab is indicated for adults and adolescents with moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma, but not for pediatric use (<12 years of age). A 9 year-old boy with steroid dependent, allergic asthma, multiple ICU admissions and severe back pain from compression fractures was referred to our centre. IgE was 1337 IU/ml. Skin prick testing showed multiple positive reactions. Asthma treatment included inhaled corticosteroids and frequent courses of oral prednisone.