Angioedema with swelling of larynx is a serious
allergic reaction and can be life-threatening. It can occur after exposure to various triggers and usually it is very difficult for the patient and the doctor to find the trigger and maintain complete remission. In idiopathic recurring
angioedema presenting with frequent attacks, prophylaxis with H1
antihistamines recommended. However, not all patients respond to
antihistamines.
Omalizumab is an anti-
immunoglobulin (Ig)-E-Ig-G antibody approved for the treatment of
asthma and also effective treatment in
chronic spontaneous urticaria. We report a 47-year-old male patient with severe idiopathic
angioedema controlled by
corticosteroid and proggressed after discontining of
corticosteroid because of its side effects.
Omalizumab at a dose of 300 mg every 4 weeks was administrated and
omalizumab provided a rapid clinical response after first injection. During the 4 months of
omalizumab therapy, he had no further attacks and any other treatment needs. After 3 months of stopping
omalizumab therapy, during the 4-week period he had two mild lip swelling in his lips that resolved with
antihistamines.