Abstract

Omalizumab: Anti-IgE Therapy in Severe Allergic Conditions

Arzu Didem Yalcin* and Atil Bisgin

Background: The primary use of omalizumab (trade name Xolair) is for patients with severe, persistent and allergic asthma. Our aim was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of omalizumab as a treatment modality in patients with different allergic conditions.
Methods: There were eleven patients, whom followed-up with omalizumab therapy in the Immunology - Allergy Clinic, were evaluated by the clinical findings of nasal polyposis, anaphylaxis history, drug allergy, latex allergy, food allergy, autoimmune urticaria, allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, angioedema and venom allergy.
Results: The patients, who had severe persistent asthma for periods ranging from 3 to 8 years, were enrolled in the study. Omalizumab was chosen as a potential new systemic therapy for the patients due to the clinical indication. Clinical symptoms of the all patients with severe persistent asthma were decreased. And in addition, asthma control test and pulmonary function tests were improved up. A severe anaphylactic reaction is prevented in a patient with 48 bee stings.
Conclusion: This clinical follow-up of omalizumab treated patients with severe persistent asthma and many different allergic conditions, suggests omalizumab is an effective therapy for asthma and different allergic conditions.