Abstract | BACKGROUND: Even though there are multiple options for the treatment of asthma, there still exists a fair group of patients with difficult-to-control asthma. We describe for the first time the real-world effects of three-year omalizumab treatment on patients with difficult-to-control asthma, seen in a social security hospital in a Latin American country. METHODS: Difficult-to-control asthmatic patients from the out-patient clinic of a regional hospital were recruited to receive a three-year omalizumab course. Efficacy parameters were asthma control test (ACT) score; FEV1; daily beclomethasone maintenance dose; and unplanned visits for asthma exacerbations (emergency room (ER), hospitalisations, intensive care). RESULTS: 52 patients were recruited, 47 completed the three-year treatment (42 female, 15-67 years, mean age 43.5). Comparing efficacy parameters of the year before omalizumab with the 3rd year of omalizumab: mean ACT improved from 12.4 to 20.5, mean FEV1 from 66.3% (standard deviation (SD) 19.1%) to 88.4% (SD 16.2%) of predicted, while mean beclomethasone dose reduced from 1750 to 766 mcg/day and there was a significant reduction in patients experiencing ER visits (from 95% to 19%, p<0.0001), hospitalisation (38% to 2%, p<0.0001) and intensive care (4% to 0, NS). Five patients discontinued omalizumab, two because of an adverse event ( anaphylaxis, severe headache, both resolved without sequelae). CONCLUSION:
Omalizumab improved most clinical parameters of Mexican patients with difficult-to-control asthma. Especially the rates of ER visits and hospitalisation were significantly reduced, thus reducing costs. Omalizumab was generally well tolerated.
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Authors | J Jesús López Tiro, E Angélica Contreras Contreras, M Elena Ramírez del Pozo, J Gómez Vera, D Larenas Linnemann |
Journal | Allergologia et immunopathologia
(Allergol Immunopathol (Madr))
2015 Mar-Apr
Vol. 43
Issue 2
Pg. 120-6
ISSN: 1578-1267 [Electronic] Singapore |
PMID | 24780091
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Observational Study)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2013 SEICAP. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents
- Omalizumab
- Immunoglobulin E
- Beclomethasone
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Asthma
(drug therapy)
- Beclomethasone
(therapeutic use)
- Disease Progression
- Emergency Medical Services
- Female
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin E
(immunology)
- Male
- Mexico
- Middle Aged
- Omalizumab
(therapeutic use)
- Respiratory Function Tests
- Time Factors
- Young Adult
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