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Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina,... Jun 2024This study examined the remission probability and duration in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients resistant to second-generation H1-antihistamines (sgAHs)... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
This study examined the remission probability and duration in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients resistant to second-generation H1-antihistamines (sgAHs) undergoing omalizumab treatment.
METHODS
This is a retrospective observational study of 176 adult CSU patients exhibiting a significant pruritus component (≥ 8) of the weekly urticaria activity score (UAS7) despite four daily sgAH tablets and starting omalizumab treatment with 300 mg every 4 weeks. After excluding 13 nonresponders, we analyzed 163 omalizumab responders (mean age 51.8 years, 74.4% female). The intervals between applications were increased. Discontinuation was considered for patients that remained asymptomatic on a gradually reduced dosage (to 150 mg every 12 weeks) without sgAHs.
RESULTS
Omalizumab discontinuation was possible in 25.8% (42/163). The duration of omalizumab treatment before remission ranged from 7 to 63 months. Twenty-one patients (50.0%) maintained complete remission until the end of the observation period (September 2021) for 8 to 68 months. Of the relapsed patients, 71.4% (15/21) effectively controlled CSU with sgAHs. Six patients (28.6%; 6/21) required omalizumab reintroduction after 6 to 40 months of remission, responding favorably.
CONCLUSIONS
The study shows that a quarter of severe CSU patients achieve long-term remission. In addition, sgAHs effectively manage symptoms in a majority of relapsed cases, and those requiring omalizumab reintroduction respond favorably.
Topics: Humans; Omalizumab; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Chronic Urticaria; Adult; Anti-Allergic Agents; Remission Induction; Treatment Outcome; Aged
PubMed: 38741391
DOI: No ID Found -
Scientific Reports May 2024To date, most studies to identify biomarkers associated with response to the anti-interleukin 5 agent, mepolizumab, and to the anti-immunoglobulin E agent, omalizumab...
To date, most studies to identify biomarkers associated with response to the anti-interleukin 5 agent, mepolizumab, and to the anti-immunoglobulin E agent, omalizumab have focused on clinically available biomarkers, such as the peripheral blood eosinophil counts (BEC) and total immunoglobulin E (IgE). However, these biomarkers often have low predictive accuracy, with many patients with eosinophilic or allergic asthma failing to demonstrate clinical response to mepolizumab or omalizumab respectively. In this study, we evaluated the association of baseline pre-biologic plasma levels of 26 cytokines and chemokines, including T-helper 1 (Th1)-, Th2-, Th17-related cytokines, and their ratios with subsequent clinical response to mepolizumab or omalizumab. We defined clinical response as a reduction in the baseline annual exacerbation rate by half or more over the one-year period following initiation of the biologic. Baseline levels of plasma IL-13 were differentially elevated in responders versus non-responders to mepolizumab and plasma CXCL10 levels were differentially elevated in responders to omalizumab. The ratio of IL-13/TNF-α had the best sensitivity and specificity in predicting response to mepolizumab and CXCL10/CCL17 to omalizumab, and these performed better as predictive biomarkers of response than BEC and IgE. Cytokines and chemokines associated with airway eosinophilia, allergic inflammation, or Th2 inflammation, such as IL-13 and CXCL10, may be better predictors of clinical response to mepolizumab and omalizumab, than IL-5 or IgE, the targets of mepolizumab and omalizumab.
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Omalizumab; Immunoglobulin E; Female; Eosinophils; Male; Chemokine CCL17; Adult; Middle Aged; Chemokine CXCL10; Interleukin-13; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Biomarkers; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Leukocyte Count; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38710930
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60864-3 -
Tuberkuloz Ve Toraks Mar 2024Recurrences occur when corticosteroid therapy is discontinued or reduced during the treatment of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP). The probability of recurrence is...
INTRODUCTION
Recurrences occur when corticosteroid therapy is discontinued or reduced during the treatment of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP). The probability of recurrence is once in 50% of patients and twice or more in 25%. In such instances, new treatment options are deemed necessary. This study aims to assess the efficacy of omalizumab treatment as a steroid-sparing drug in patients with CEP.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The clinical features of patients treated with omalizumab for recurrent CEP were evaluated retrospectively before and after treatment. All data from patients and diagnoses were reviewed. The effects of treatment on recurrence rate, oral corticosteroid (OCS) use and lung functions, peripheral eosinophil values, and symptom scores were evaluated. Radiological regression was also evaluated.
RESULT
In the final analysis, we included ten patients with a median follow-up of 22 months after initiation of omalizumab. During this follow-up period, the results were associated with a significant reduction in the number of asthma attacks per year, the number of CEP relapses, the rate of hospitalization, the amount of corticosteroids consumed daily, and the total corticosteroid dose. In addition, improvement was observed in the symptom scores and lung functions of the patients. Systemic steroids were completely discontinued in two patients receiving omalizumab treatment. In other patients, the mean steroid dose was reduced by 77.2 percent in the first year of omalizumab treatment and 82 percent in the second year, respectively. Nevertheless, there was no elevation in peripheral eosinophil count, and radiological regression was observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Omalizumab can be an effective treatment for CEP and can be used as a steroid-sparing agent.
Topics: Humans; Omalizumab; Male; Female; Pulmonary Eosinophilia; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Chronic Disease; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Recurrence; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Aged
PubMed: 38676596
DOI: 10.5578/tt.202401795 -
Vaccines Apr 2024Immune responses to influenza (flu) antigens reflect memory of prior infections or vaccinations, which might influence immunity to new flu antigens. Memory of past... (Review)
Review
Immune responses to influenza (flu) antigens reflect memory of prior infections or vaccinations, which might influence immunity to new flu antigens. Memory of past antigens has been termed "original antigenic sin" or, more recently, "immune imprinting" and "seniority". We have researched a comparison between the immune response to live flu infections and inactivated flu vaccinations. A brief history of antibody generation theories is presented, culminating in new findings about the immune-network theory and suggesting that a network of clones exists between anti-idiotypic antibodies and T cell receptors. Findings regarding the 2009 pandemic flu strain and immune responses to it are presented, including memory B cells and conserved regions within the hemagglutinin protein. The importance of CD4 memory T cells and cytotoxic CD8 T cells responding to both infections and vaccinations are discussed and compared. Innate immune cells, like natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages, are discussed regarding their roles in adaptive immune responses. Antigen presentation via macroautophagy processes is described. New vaccines in development are mentioned along with the results of some clinical trials. The manuscript concludes with how repeated vaccinations are impacting the immune system and a sketch of what might be behind the imprinting phenomenon, including future research directions.
PubMed: 38675771
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040389 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Mar 2024: Real-life data on the efficacy of biologic agents (BAs) on asthma-comorbid CRSwNP are needed. Our primary goal is to investigate the effects of BAs on CRSwNP symptoms,...
: Real-life data on the efficacy of biologic agents (BAs) on asthma-comorbid CRSwNP are needed. Our primary goal is to investigate the effects of BAs on CRSwNP symptoms, as well as endoscopic and tomography scores. Our secondary goal is to show a reduction in the frequency of acute sinusitis exacerbations and the need for surgery. : We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, real-life study. We screened the patients with asthma-comorbid CRSwNP treated with omalizumab or mepolizumab. A total of 69 patients (40 F/29 M; omalizumab n = 55, mepolizumab n = 14) were enrolled. We compared the visual analog scale (VAS), sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22), nasal congestion score (NCS), Lund-Mackay computed tomography score (LMS), and total endoscopic polyp scores (TPS) before and after BAs. We evaluated the endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis (AECRS) frequencies separately, according to the BAs. The overall median (min-max) age was 43 (21-69) years. The median (min-max) of biologic therapy duration was 35 (4-113) months for omalizumab and 13.5 (6-32) for mepolizumab. Significant improvements were seen in VAS, SNOT-22, and NCS with omalizumab and mepolizumab. A significant decrease was observed in TPS with omalizumab [95% CI: 0-4] ( < 0.001), but not with mepolizumab [95% CI: -0.5-2] ( = 0.335). The frequency of ESS and AECRS were significantly reduced with omalizumab [95% CI: 2-3] ( < 0.001) and [95% CI: 2-5] ( < 0.001); and mepolizumab [95% CI: 0-2] ( = 0.002) and [95% CI: 2-8.5] ( < 0.001), respectively. There was no significant difference in LMS with either of the BAs. Omalizumab and mepolizumab can provide a significant improvement in the sinonasal symptom scores. BAs are promising agents for CRSwNP patients with frequent exacerbations and multiple surgeries.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Humans; Middle Aged; Asthma; Chronic Disease; Nasal Polyps; Omalizumab; Retrospective Studies; Rhinosinusitis; Sinusitis; Turkey; Male; Female; Young Adult
PubMed: 38541174
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60030448 -
International Archives of Allergy and... 2024The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of omalizumab as a therapeutic intervention for chronic urticaria (CU). (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of omalizumab as a therapeutic intervention for chronic urticaria (CU).
METHODS
From March 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023, data on a cohort comprising 96 patients with CU, who underwent treatment with omalizumab at our medical institution's allergy clinic, were systematically compiled. Subsequent to the administration of omalizumab, the therapeutic efficacy was assessed utilizing the 7-day urticaria activity score and the urticaria control test.
RESULTS
Based on the statistical analysis, the mean duration of therapeutic intervention was 2.4 ± 1.3 months, with a corresponding mean cumulative dosage of 765 ± 450 mg. Of the subset of 42 patients with CU who were subjected to a follow-up period exceeding 3 months, it was observed that the treatment led to complete symptom remission, and no instances of recurrence were documented. Notably, there were statistically significant differences in the treatment duration and the cumulative dosage between patients who experienced co-morbid conditions and those who did not (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.280-1.326; p < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.597-2.997). Furthermore, there were significant differences in the treatment duration and cumulative dosage between patients in the combined allergic rhinitis group and those in the non-combined allergic rhinitis group (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.204-1.305; p = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.326-2.860).
CONCLUSION
Omalizumab demonstrates efficacy in the management of CU among Chinese patients by exerting effective symptom control and facilitating the regression of skin lesions. The assessment of its therapeutic efficacy typically requires a 12-week treatment period. Moreover, the co-occurrence of CU with other allergic disorders serves as a pertinent consideration for the adjustment of omalizumab dosing regimens.
Topics: Humans; Omalizumab; Chronic Urticaria; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Anti-Allergic Agents; Young Adult
PubMed: 38513629
DOI: 10.1159/000538011 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2024There is a lack of real-life safety data on treatment options for chronic urticaria in the presence of comedication and comorbidities.
BACKGROUND
There is a lack of real-life safety data on treatment options for chronic urticaria in the presence of comedication and comorbidities.
METHODS
We present a single-center UCARE pilot study of 212 outpatients with chronic urticaria. Patients were divided into three groups according to different CU therapies according to international guidelines.
RESULTS
Of 212 patients, 108 (mean age 48.9 years, 71.3% female) had 59 comorbidities, including cardiovascular, autoimmune and malignant diseases. Patients were followed for a mean of 24.6 months (SD ± 21.3). Urticaria therapies were divided into three groups: A: 105 (97.2%) with omalizumab and 2nd generation antihistamines), B: 16 patients (14.8%): dual therapy with antihistamines and cyclosporine in 10 (9.3%), montelukast in five (4. 6%), dapsone in four (3.7%), hydroxychloroquine in one patient (0.9%), C: 12 (11.1%) patients received a third drug for 4.9 months (SD ± 3.2) and one quadruple therapy (2.1 months). 10 out of 12 (83.3%) patients received montelukast, two (16.7%) cyclosporine, two (16.7%) dapsone and one (8.3%) hydroxychloroquine as a third drug for chronic urticaria.
CONCLUSIONS
Combining treatment modalities for chronic urticaria and comorbidities are available and feasible with a good safety profile.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Hydroxychloroquine; Pilot Projects; Chronic Disease; Chronic Urticaria; Urticaria; Omalizumab; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Cyclosporine; Dapsone; Anti-Allergic Agents; Acetates; Cyclopropanes; Quinolines; Sulfides
PubMed: 38508226
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2024.2329784 -
BioDrugs : Clinical Immunotherapeutics,... May 2024The management of uncontrolled severe asthma has greatly improved since the advent of novel biologic therapies. Up to August 2022, five biologics have been approved for...
BACKGROUND
The management of uncontrolled severe asthma has greatly improved since the advent of novel biologic therapies. Up to August 2022, five biologics have been approved for the type 2 asthma phenotype: anti-IgE (omalizumab), anti-IL5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab), and anti-IL4 (dupilumab) monoclonal antibodies. These drugs are usually well tolerated, although long-term safety information is limited, and some adverse events have not yet been fully characterized. Spontaneous reporting systems represent the cornerstone for the detection of potential signals and evaluation of the real-world safety of all marketed drugs.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to provide an overview of safety data of biologics for severe asthma using VigiBase, the World Health Organization global pharmacovigilance database.
METHODS
We selected all de-duplicated individual case safety reports (ICSRs) attributed to five approved biologics for severe asthma in VigiBase, up to 31st August 2022 (omalizumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab and dupilumab). Descriptive frequency analyses of ICSRs were carried out both as a whole class and as individual products. Reporting odds ratios (ROR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as the measure of disproportionality for suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with the study drugs compared with either all other suspected drugs (Reference Group 1, RG1) or inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting β-agonists (ICSs/LABAs) (Reference Group 2, RG2) or with oral corticosteroids (OCSs) (Reference Group 3, RG3).
RESULTS
Overall, 31,724,381 ICSRs were identified in VigiBase and 167,282 (0.5%) were related to study drugs; the remaining reports were considered as RG1. Stratifying all biologic-related ICSRs by therapeutic indication, around 29.4% (n = 48,440) concerned asthma use; omalizumab was mainly indicated as the suspected drug (n = 20,501), followed by dupilumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab and reslizumab. Most asthma ICSRs concerned adults (57%) and women (64.1%). Asthma biologics showed a higher frequency of serious suspected ADR reporting than RG1 (41.3% vs 32.3%). The most reported suspected ADRs included asthma, dyspnea, product use issue, drug ineffective, cough, headache, fatigue and wheezing. Asthma biologics were disproportionally associated with several unknown or less documented adverse events, such as malignancies, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis with omalizumab; alopecia and lichen planus with dupilumab; alopecia and herpes infections with mepolizumab; alopecia, herpes zoster and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis related to benralizumab; and alopecia with reslizumab.
CONCLUSIONS
The most frequently reported suspected ADRs of asthma biologics in VigiBase confirmed the presence of well-known adverse effects such as general disorders, injection-site reactions, nasopharyngitis, headache and hypersensitivity, while some others (e.g. asthma reactivation or therapeutic failure) could be ascribed to the indication of use. Moreover, the analysis of signals of disproportionate reporting suggests the presence of malignancies, effects on the cardiovascular system, alopecia and autoimmune conditions, requiring further assessment and investigation.
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Pharmacovigilance; World Health Organization; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Female; Male; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; Databases, Factual; Adult; Biological Therapy; Middle Aged; Aged; Omalizumab; Biological Products
PubMed: 38489062
DOI: 10.1007/s40259-024-00653-6 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Hay fever, characterized by seasonal allergic reactions, poses a significant health challenge. Existing therapies encompass standard drug regimens, biological agents,...
BACKGROUND
Hay fever, characterized by seasonal allergic reactions, poses a significant health challenge. Existing therapies encompass standard drug regimens, biological agents, and specific immunotherapy. This study aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of anti-IgE (omalizumab), medication therapy, and subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for hay fever.
METHODS
Conducted as a retrospective cohort study, this research involved 98 outpatient hay fever patients who underwent routine medication, omalizumab treatment, or SCIT before the onset of the spring pollen season. A follow-up was performed one month after the start of the pollen season. The comprehensive symptoms and drug scores were used to evaluate patients with different intervention methods, facilitating a comparative analysis of therapeutic outcomes.
RESULTS
Compared with before treatment, the symptoms of patients treated with the three methods were all significantly relieved, and the medication score were significantly reduced. Patients treated with omalizumab demonstrated higher symptoms and medication scores than SCIT group before treatment, but similar scores after treatment, which were both lower than medicine treatment group. After treatment with omalizumab or SCIT, patients in both groups had significantly lower medication scores than the medication group and were close to no longer using medication for symptom relief. The mountain juniper-sIgE was significantly higher after treatment than before treatment in both medicine treatment group and omalizumab treatment group.
CONCLUSION
Omalizumab and SCIT offer superior effects than medication therapy in hay fever patients.
Topics: Humans; Omalizumab; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal; Retrospective Studies; Immunosuppressive Agents; Immunotherapy; Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
PubMed: 38482006
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1363034 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024The basis of our current understanding of allergies begins with the discovery of IgE in the mid-1960s. The whole theory of the physiology and pathophysiology of allergic... (Review)
Review
The basis of our current understanding of allergies begins with the discovery of IgE in the mid-1960s. The whole theory of the physiology and pathophysiology of allergic diseases, including rhinitis and asthma, dates from that period. Among the key regions of IgE identified were the FAB (fragment antigen binding) portion that has the ability to capture allergens, and the Cε3 domain, through which IgE binds to its membrane receptor. It was then postulated that blocking IgE at the level of the Cε3 domain would prevent it from binding to its receptor and thus set in motion the allergic cascade. This was the beginning of the development of omalizumab, a monoclonal antibody with an anti-IgE effect. In this article, we review the pathophysiology of allergic disease and trace the clinical development of omalizumab. We also review the benefits of omalizumab treatment that are apparently unrelated to allergies, such as its effect on immunity and bronchial remodeling.
Topics: Humans; Omalizumab; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Asthma; Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E
PubMed: 38474304
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053056