Omalizumab treatment in a child with severe asthma and multiple steroid-induced morbidities

Allergic asthma, the most common type of asthma, is mediated by the release of proinflammatory mediators that occurs after the allergen binds to IgE on the surface of effector cells. [1] Soler M. Matz J. Townley R. et al. The anti-IgE antibody omalizumab reduces exacerbations and steroid requirement in allergic asthmatics. Eur Respir J. 2001; 18: 254-261 Crossref PubMed Scopus (792) Google Scholar Omalizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between IgE and mast cells. [2] Busse W. Corren J. Lanier B.Q. et al. Omalizumab, anti-IgE recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, for treatment of severe allergic asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001; 108: 184-190 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1114) Google Scholar Omalizumab therapy significantly decreases the incidence of asthma exacerbations; improves the control of symptoms, such as wheezing, breathlessness, and nighttime awakenings [2] Busse W. Corren J. Lanier B.Q. et al. Omalizumab, anti-IgE recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, for treatment of severe allergic asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001; 108: 184-190 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1114) Google Scholar ; improves asthma-related quality of life [3] Finn A. Gross G. van Bavel J. et al. Omalizumab improves asthma-related quality of life in patients with severe allergic asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003; 111: 278-284 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (166) Google Scholar ; and reduces both oral and inhaled corticosteroid doses. 1 Soler M. Matz J. Townley R. et al. The anti-IgE antibody omalizumab reduces exacerbations and steroid requirement in allergic asthmatics. Eur Respir J. 2001; 18: 254-261 Crossref PubMed Scopus (792) Google Scholar , 2 Busse W. Corren J. Lanier B.Q. et al. Omalizumab, anti-IgE recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, for treatment of severe allergic asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2001; 108: 184-190 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1114) Google Scholar This last benefit is obviously favorable because long-term corticosteroid treatment can cause harmful adverse effects.