A Pilot Study of Omalizumab to Treat Severe Allergic Asthma in South Indian Population

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a respiratory disease that affects your lungs. In asthma, airways of the lungs constrict due to swelling and accumulation of mucus. Newer remedies known as targeted therapies have evolved as a result of advancements in medical research, greatly relieving these patients. The biologics used in the severe allergic asthma is Omalizumab.
 Purpose: Demonstrating the clinical efficacy of Omalizumab in severe allergic asthma by reducing exacerbation rates and increasing quality of life.
 Methods: A single-arm prospective pilot study of omalizumab in severe allergic asthma was conducted in a tertiary care hospital for the duration of one year with the help of Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ).
 Results and discussions: On an initial dose of omalizumab of 150 mg in 2 vials subcutaneously every month for 6 months, among our study population, 45% of the patients had their symptoms improve more than they had with prior medications. Results show that the patient's overall score has improved by nearly 50%. This shows that omalizumab improves the quality of life of severe asthmatic patients.
 Conclusion: Patients treated with omalizumab have improved their clinical conditions and quality of life, and it can prevent exacerbations by controlling the severity of the condition.
 Keywords: AQLQ, Allergic asthma, Exacerbation, IgE, Omalizumab.