Mepolizumab efficacy in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and bronchiectasis

Abstract

Background: Mepolizumab reduces exacerbations, eosinophils, pulmonary function and improves asthma control. Bronchiectasis (BE) has been demonstrated in about 30% of patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. Aim: To demonstrate the efficacy of mepolizumab in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and BE. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 37 patients (16M/21F). All patients underwent high-resolution computer tomography. Number of exacerbations, asthma control test (ACT), eosinophils and, FEV1 were recorded at baseline, after and 6 months of therapy. Results: BE were identified in 12 patients (32.4%). In patients only with asthma, compared to baseline after 3 months, we found a statistically significant reduction of eosinophils (1384/mL± 1754/mL vs 177.88 mL±267.44; p Conclusion: Mepolizumab results in clinical improvements in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and BE. Reduction of efficacy after 6 months of therapy in patients with asthma and BE leads to consider these patients as a different asthmatic phenotype.