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Clinical and Experimental Medicine Jan 2024Despite conventional glucocorticoid and antifungal therapy, acute exacerbation and hospitalization occur frequently in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary...
Despite conventional glucocorticoid and antifungal therapy, acute exacerbation and hospitalization occur frequently in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Whether omalizumab is an effective and safe treatment for adult patients with ABPA complicating asthma. Patients with ABPA complicating asthma who were treated with omalizumab from October 2019 to May 2023 were collected from five tertiary hospitals and evaluated. The frequencies of acute exacerbation and hospitalization; the number of eosinophils; the total IgE levels; and the average monthly medical dosages after 3, 6, and 12 months of omalizumab treatment were analysed, and the data before and after treatment (up to one year) were compared. The efficacy and safety of omalizumab treatment were assessed. In total, 26 patients were enrolled. The average monthly glucocorticoid dosage significantly decreased (median 0 vs. 24 mg/m) after 6 months of omalizumab treatment compared with 3 months; 73.68% of patients discontinued glucocorticoids after ≤ 12 months of treatment. Similarly, the average monthly dosage of antifungal agents was significantly decreased (median 0 vs. 3.49 g/m) after 12 months of treatment compared with 3 months. The average monthly glucocorticoid dosage (median 213.75 vs. 65.42 mg/m, P = 0.002) and the frequency of acute exacerbation (median 0.94 vs. 0.44 events, P = 0.033) were considerably reduced after omalizumab treatment. Omalizumab is effective in reducing the frequency of acute exacerbation and the necessary dosage of glucocorticoids in adult patients with ABPA complicating asthma. Patient age and BMI may affect the efficacy of treatment.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Anti-Allergic Agents; Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary; Asthma; China; Glucocorticoids; Omalizumab
PubMed: 38240869
DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01267-y -
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory... 2024With the rise of targeted treatments for asthma, treatment with omalizumab is a new option. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
With the rise of targeted treatments for asthma, treatment with omalizumab is a new option.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the improvement of pulmonary function with additional omalizumab treatment in patients (⩾6 years old) with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma.
DATA SOURCES AND METHODS
Observational studies of randomized controlled trials of add-on omalizumab for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma, published from the establishment till August 2022, were retrieved from WAN FANG DATA, PubMed, CNKI, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. Data extraction and quality evaluation were performed on the literature that met the inclusion criteria, using RevMan 5.3 to analyze the data.
RESULTS
A total of 11 randomized controlled clinical trials were included, involving a total of 3578 patients with asthma, 1856 patients in the omalizumab group, and 1722 patients in the control group. The improvement in Forced expiratory volume in 1 s as a percentage of predicted normal and Forced expiratory volume in 1 s was more pronounced in the omalizumab-treated group [MD = 3.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.89-5.94, = 0.0002; MD = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.05-0.13, < 0.0001], while the improvement in Morning Peak expiratory flow rate was not statistically different between the two groups (MD = 3.64, 95% CI: -22.17-29.45, = 0.78).
CONCLUSION
Additional omalizumab treatment showed some improvement in lung function in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO ID:CRD42022378498.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Forced Expiratory Volume; Lung; Omalizumab; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38235607
DOI: 10.1177/17534666231221771 -
The World Allergy Organization Journal Jan 2024Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common condition treated by allergist/immunologists, but the only FDA-approved biologic medication, omalizumab, may be...
BACKGROUND
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common condition treated by allergist/immunologists, but the only FDA-approved biologic medication, omalizumab, may be underutilized globally.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to determine the global prescription of omalizumab for treatment of CSU by allergists/immunologists.
METHODS
Anonymous questionnaire surveys were distributed online to World Allergy Organization (WAO) members worldwide. Categorical data were analyzed for descriptive analysis using one-way frequency tabulation in SAS 9.4.
RESULTS
There were 348 respondents (43 missing data); Average age 51 (range 28-90); M/F 48%/52%. 58% had > 15 years of clinical experience and 10% < 5; 42% worked in private clinics, 36% public hospitals, 24% academia, 18% private hospitals, and 4% in community practice. Eighty-two percent (82%) prescribed omalizumab for CSU patients and use of omalizumab was highest among young practitioners. The most significant barriers were cost (63%) and restricted formulary (24%). Drug safety (63%) and chances of adverse events (47%) were the most significant factors deciding treatment. Twenty-two percent (22%) reported 80-100% of CSU patients were complete responders to omalizumab; 34% preferred increasing frequency (q 2-weeks), and 18% preferred increasing dose (600 mg q 4-weeks) for partial or non-responders. UAS7, UCT, and CU-QoL were used to assess CSU by 55%, 29%, and 25% of respondents, respectively. Autoimmune thyroid disease (62%), thyroid abnormality (43%) and allergic rhinitis (35%) were the most frequent comorbidities reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Most clinicians favored omalizumab over other potential treatments due to safety. Although younger clinicians were more likely to prescribe omalizumab, cost and formulary access were major barriers. Only 22% of respondents reported 80% or greater of their patients had complete response to omalizumab, indicating the need for novel CSU therapies.
PubMed: 38235261
DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100858 -
Clinical Case Reports Jan 2024Omalizumab may be a beneficial adjunct treatment option for hEDS patients require to improve pain control, ability to perform ADLs and functionality and social...
Omalizumab may be a beneficial adjunct treatment option for hEDS patients require to improve pain control, ability to perform ADLs and functionality and social engagement, and most importantly, quality of life.
PubMed: 38223517
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8431 -
The World Allergy Organization Journal Dec 2023Asthma exhibits varying clinical features in children and adults. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the clinical significance of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in...
BACKGROUND
Asthma exhibits varying clinical features in children and adults. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the clinical significance of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, disregarding the characteristics of IgE and its relevant factors.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the differences in the characteristics of IgE between childhood and adulthood allergic asthma (AA).
METHODS
Patients with AA from the 2005 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were divided into 3 groups based on their current age and onset age of AA: childhood AA (Group 1), childhood-onset adult AA (Group 2), and adulthood-onset AA (Group 3). Intragroup analysis and intergroup comparison were carried out, focusing on the characteristics and relevant factors of IgE, as well as the clinical relevance of total IgE (total IgE, tIgE) and allergen-specific IgE (allergen-specific IgE, sIgE).
RESULTS
A total of 424 patients were analyzed, including 187 with childhood AA, 132 with childhood-onset adult AA, and 105 with adulthood-onset AA. The concentration of tIgE was found to be higher in Group 1 (268.0, 118.0-686.0 kU/L) than in Group 2 (224.0, 78.0-494.0 kU/L) and Group 3 (165.0, 74.4-350.5 kU/L). The sensitization rates did not differ between Group 1 and Group 2 but were higher compared with Group 3, particularly for -sIgE (50.3% and 46.2% vs 15.2%) and -sIgE (43.9% and 37.1% vs 16.2%). In Group 1, there was a negative correlation between pollen-sIgEs and indoor allergens, but this correlation was not commonly observed in Group 2 and Group 3. On the other hand, in Group 1, environmental chemicals such as phthalates, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, trihalomethanes, and phenols showed a positive correlation with IgE. However, a greater number of chemicals was observed in Group 2 and Group 3, including cotinine, metals, trihalomethanes, phthalates, phenols, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Furthermore, in Group 1, IgE was positively correlated with asthma-related issues such as emergency visits, absenteeism, limited activities, and medication needs. These correlations were less common in Group 2 and Group 3, particularly in Group 3.
CONCLUSIONS
There are notable differences in the characteristics and environmental factors of IgE among childhood AA, childhood-onset adult AA, and adulthood-onset AA. Additionally, IgE plays a more significant role in childhood AA due to its higher concentration, fewer relevant environmental chemicals and greater clinical relevance. This may partially explain the age-related features of asthma.
PubMed: 38213391
DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100842 -
Acta Dermato-venereologica Jan 2024Solar urticaria is a rare photodermatosis with several unknown pathogenic, clinical and therapeutic aspects. This study analysed the clinical and therapeutic features of...
Solar urticaria is a rare photodermatosis with several unknown pathogenic, clinical and therapeutic aspects. This study analysed the clinical and therapeutic features of a long-term follow-up solar urticaria cohort, with a focus on omalizumab management and outcomes, and characterized omalizumab response with the use of the high-affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor (FcεRI) and the Urticaria Control Test. An observational, unicentric, ambispective study was conducted from 2007 to 2023. Solar urticaria was diagnosed in 41 patients with a median follow-up of 60 months. Thirteen patients were prescribed omalizumab, with a median treatment time of 48 months. A significant decrease in FcεRI baseline levels and subsequent median increase in Urticaria Control Test was evidenced after omalizumab prescription in all patients. Drug survival at 48 months was at 88.9%. Omalizumab stepping-down protocol led to sustained omalizumab discontinuation in only 1 patient. Median basal Urticaria Control Test was lower (p < 0.01) in patients who were prescribed omalizumab and in patients without remission. This study contributes to our knowledge of omalizumab outcomes in real-life clinical practice and highlights the pathogenic importance of IgE-mediated pathways in solar urticaria, where FcεRI emerges as a possible biomarker of omalizumab response.
Topics: Humans; Urticaria, Solar; Follow-Up Studies; Omalizumab; Urticaria; Immunoglobulin E
PubMed: 38189220
DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v104.25576 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and... Jan 2024Selecting optimal biologics based on type 2 biomarkers has been of interest in severe asthma treatment. However, few direct biomarker stratification-based comparisons...
BACKGROUND
Selecting optimal biologics based on type 2 biomarkers has been of interest in severe asthma treatment. However, few direct biomarker stratification-based comparisons have been made.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of anti-IL-5 (mepolizumab, benralizumab), omalizumab, and dupilumab in reducing the number of hospitalizations from asthma and exacerbations across all and eosinophil-stratified subgroups.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study using the National Hospital Organization database (2016-2020) was performed. Asthmatic patients using biologics were selected, and the baseline backgrounds of the groups were balanced using inverse probability treatment weighting for propensity scores. Weighted rate ratios (RRs) were obtained using a Poisson regression model.
RESULTS
Among the 320 patients with asthma using biologics, 205 (64.1%), 75 (23.4%), and 40 (12.5%) were categorized into the anti-IL-5, omalizumab, and dupilumab groups, respectively. After weighting, there were 47.1, 30.0, and 62.6 hospitalizations per 100 person-years [omalizumab vs. anti-IL-5: weighted RR, 0.61 (0.34-1.08); dupilumab vs. anti-IL-5: 1.48 (0.81-2.72)], and 117.0, 134.6, and 287.3 exacerbations per 100 person-years [omalizumab vs. anti-IL-5: 1.13 (0.83-1.54); dupilumab vs. anti-IL-5: 2.69 (1.91-3.78)] in these respective groups. In patients with eosinophil of ≥ 300/μL, the dupilumab group had more exacerbations compared with the anti-IL-5 group [weighted RR, 2.85 (1.82-4.46)]. In patients with eosinophil of < 300/μL, the omalizumab group had fewer hospitalizations compared with the anti-IL-5 group [weighted RR, 0.32 (0.13-0.51)].
CONCLUSION
Anti-IL-5 biologics may be more effective than dupilumab in patients with high blood eosinophil counts, while less effective than omalizumab in patients with low eosinophil counts.
PubMed: 38183647
DOI: 10.12932/AP-290623-1645 -
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Mar 2024Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a common autoimmune bullous disease affecting mainly the elderly, with rising incidence due to increased life expectancy. This disease is... (Review)
Review
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a common autoimmune bullous disease affecting mainly the elderly, with rising incidence due to increased life expectancy. This disease is characterized by tense bullous lesions on normal or erythematous skin, accompanied by pruritus. BP pathogenesis involves autoantibodies against hemidesmosomal proteins BP180 and BP230, leading to detachment at the dermo-epidermal junction as well as blister formation. BP is associated with coexisting comorbidities and drug exposure, and its management often requires high doses or chronic use of systemic glucocorticoids, posing risks of adverse effects. This review focuses on novel treatment options for BP, exploring therapies targeting different immune pathways. Rituximab, a CD20 monoclonal antibody, depletes B-lymphocytes and has shown efficacy in severe cases. Dupilumab, targeting interleukin (IL)-4 receptor α and thus blocking IL-4 and IL-13, downregulates type 2 helper (Th2) responses and has demonstrated promising results. Targeting eosinophil-related molecules using bertilimumab and AKST4290 has yielded positive results in clinical trials. Omalizumab, an immunoglobulin (Ig) E antibody, can reduce disease severity and allows corticosteroid tapering in a number of cases. Complement inhibitors such as nomacopan and avdoralimab are being investigated. IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors such as secukinumab and tildrakizumab have shown potential in a limited number of case reports. Neonatal Fc receptor antagonists such as efgartigimod are under investigation. Additionally, topical therapies and Janus kinase inhibitors are being explored as potential treatments for BP. These novel therapies offer promising alternatives for managing BP, with potential to improve outcomes and reduce high cumulative doses of systemic corticosteroids and related toxicities. Further research, including controlled clinical trials, is needed to establish their efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing regimens for BP management.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Autoantibodies; Blister; Immunosuppressive Agents; Pemphigoid, Bullous; Skin
PubMed: 38157140
DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00832-1 -
Biomedicines Nov 2023The use of biological agents in the treatment of various inflammatory and malignancy conditions has expanded rapidly. However, these agents can induce hypersensitivity...
BACKGROUND
The use of biological agents in the treatment of various inflammatory and malignancy conditions has expanded rapidly. However, these agents can induce hypersensitivity reactions, posing significant clinical challenges.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective study that included nine patients with severe asthma who experienced hypersensitivity reactions to biological agents (omalizumab, benralizumab and dupilumab).
RESULTS
Hypersensitivity reactions to biologicals in severe asthma were observed in 9 of 68 patients treated. In five cases, treatment was stopped or changed to another available biological, and for four patients administered under close surveillance, titrated provocation or desensitization was applied. Successful desensitization was achieved in three of the patients, allowing them to continue therapy without adverse reactions. Improvements in asthma control were observed post-desensitization, leading to the reduced need for systemic steroid treatments and an increase in quality of life.
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the importance of recognizing hypersensitivity reactions to biologicals to have an appropriate approach for patients with severe asthma. As an effective approach for patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions to biological agents, desensitization allows treatment continuation.
PubMed: 38137329
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123108