Impact of Omalizumab on Anaphylaxis in Patients Treated for Chronic Urticaria.

BACKGROUND

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening systemic allergic reaction. Omalizumab (OMA) is an established treatment in chronic urticaria (CU), but experience in anaphylaxis is limited.

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OMA on anaphylaxis in patients with CU who are resistant to antihistamine therapy and have a history of anaphylaxis.

METHOD: Patients with antihistamine-resistant CU and a history of anaphylaxis were eligible. OMA was given 300 mg/150 mg every 4 weeks. Urticaria control test (UCT) scores, the episodes of anaphylaxis, and adverse events were recorded during the OMA treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 7 adults were included. After starting OMA, all of them achieved a complete control (UCT = 16) after 3 months of OMA treatment; 6 of them did not suffer any attack of anaphylaxis in the follow-up periods (5 patients for more than 12 months and 1 patient for 4 months). No adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

The study indicated the efficacy and safety of OMA for antihistamine-resistant CU patients with a history of anaphylaxis and its potential as a prevention option for anaphylaxis.