Pitrez PM, et al. - This paper intended to illustrate the first clinical real-life experiences with omalizumab in Brazilian children with severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA). A noticeable improvement in the disease control was discovered through omalizumab therapy. In addition, it decreased hospitalizations and permitted the suspension of continuous oral corticosteroids.

Methods

• The design of this research was a retrospective study.
• It enrolled children (6-18 years old) from a referral center who were diagnosed with STRA.
• Patients underwent at least 6 months of omalizumab treatment and fulfilled the following initial criteria: 1) >6 years old; 2) a positive skin-prick test for at least one aeroallergen; and 3) a serum total IgE level between 30 and 1500 IU/mL.
• A scrutiny was performed of the clinical and lung function variables prior to and after treatment.

Results

• Fourteen children (mean age: 11.9 years; percentage female: 72%) were recruited.
• A substantially increased control of the disease was achieved through the omalizumab treatment, according to a standardized questionnaire administered at every visit (P < 0.0001).
• Hospitalizations ceased in 70% (P = 0.02) of patients, and 8/9 (89%) patients were permitted to be weaned off oral steroids (P = 0.004).