Total IgE levels are linked to the response of chronic spontaneous urticaria patients to omalizumab

Here, we compared complete responders (CR) to non-responders (NR) and partial 18 responders (PR) to identify predictors for response.In total, we analyzed 85 patients 19 from 4 GA²LEN urticaria centers of reference and excellence (UCAREs) (5), 43 CR, 20 23 PR, and 19 NR to omalizumab treatment (Table 1).Complete, partial and non-21 response was defined as the reduction of signs and symptoms by ≥90%, by ≥30% 22 but <90%, and by <30% (physicians global assessment), respectively, after 2 four-23 weekly injections of omalizumab 300 mg.All centers provided data on NRs 24 comparing patient characteristics, laboratory values, and treatment response.In 25 addition, all centers were asked to provide data on at least one PR and CR per 26 entered NR.Because different methods of total IgE assessment with different 27 reference values were used, the total IgE-values were transferred to percentage 28 scores of the respective upper reference value.Total IgE levels of 0%-10%, >10%-29 50%, and >50%-100% were regarded as low normal, mid normal, and high normal, 30 whereas total IgE levels of >100%-250%, >250%-1000%, and >1000% were 31 regarded as slightly elevated, moderately elevated, and highly elevated.Statistical 32 analyses were done with SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 22).33 No differences were found between the three responder groups (CR, PR, and NR) 34 Page 1 of 9 Allergy upregulating activity as an immunological marker to predict response to treatment 121 with omalizumab in patients with symptomatic chronic urticaria.