Abstract
Omalizumab is an effective add-on therapy for patients with severe persistent allergic (IgE-mediated) asthma. However, in the UK there are limited data reporting on the real-life effectiveness of omalizumab therapy on patient outcomes, particularly with regard to effect on lung function. We retrospectively reviewed outcomes in severe allergic asthma patients receiving omalizumab at 5 South West UK centres (Exeter; Plymouth; Bath; Taunton; Torbay). Data were compared for 12 months pre-omalizumab vs 16 weeks and most recent assessment (last 12 months) post-omalizumab initiation. Patients (n=51; age 17–69 years) received omalizumab for an average of 798 days (range: 190–1569). 41/51 (80%) patients responded to treatment at 16 weeks and are included in this analysis. Post omalizumab initiation, mean FEV1 (L/min) improved from 1.9 pre-omalizumab to 2.3 (16 weeks) and 2.1 (most recent). Mean maintenance oral corticosteroid (OCS) dose pre- and post-omalizumab was 22.7 and 8.9.mg/day, respectively. Overall mean [SD] scores for AQLQ and ACT improved after 16-weeks' treatment: +1.6 [0.86] and +3.0 [9.5], respectively. Reductions were seen post-omalizumab in hospital admissions/bed days, accident & emergency (A&E) and GP visits (most recent [Table]). These results demonstrate omalizumab's effectiveness in improving lung function and other clinical/patient-reported outcomes in severe persistent allergic asthma patients in a 'real-life' clinical setting.
- © 2012 ERS