Omalizumab in chronic urticaria; real-life data of 6-year-experience

Background: Chronic urticaria (CU) is defined as the persistence of urticarial lesions for more than 6 weeks. Omalizumab, a human monoclonal anti IgE antibody, has been used as a new therapeutic option in CU patients unresponsive to high-dose second-generation antihistamines. Aims and Objectives: This study is aimed to examine the clinical and demographic characteristics of CU patients treated with omalizumab in our clinic and to define parameters related to therapeutic response. Materials and Methods: Patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of CU between January 2014 and June 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. The data obtained from patients’ electronic files were analyzed using SPSS23 program. Results: 167 patients (125 female, 42 male) were included. The mean age was 45.34 ± 14.76 years. The mean disease duration at the onset of omalizumab was found to be 47.41 ± 63.26 months. Complete response to treatment was observed in 45.9%, 48%, and 52% of patients at 3rd, 6th, and 12th months of omalizumab treatment, respectively. The baseline total IgE level was evaluated in 107 patients and a statistically significant correlation was observed between complete response to treatment at 3rd month and higher baseline total IgE levels (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Omalizumab provided a significant therapeutic response and the patients did not need any other treatment, while patients with high pretreatment IgE levels showed a better and earlier response. These results may guide clinicians in predicting patients’ response to omalizumab.