The efficacy of omalizumab treatment in patients with non-atopic severe asthma

Introduction Non-atopic asthmatic patients generally have more severe clinical manifestations frequently accompanied by chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps, with more limited therapeutic options as compared to atopic asthmatic patients. This has led to a search for novel therapeutic approaches including omalizumab for non-atopic asthmatic patients who are not adequately controlled with current therapies. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study undertaken between 1st August 2020 and 31st December 2021 at a tertiary allergy clinic, data from 61 non-atopic asthmatic patients inadequately controlled with optimum therapy was examined. Results A total of 61 patients with severe asthma were included in the study [Female: 48 (78.7%), male: 13 (21.3%], mean age: 49 (18-71) years). The mean duration of asthma was 60 (18-160) months. A statistically significant increase in FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume in one second), FVC (forced vital capacity), and ACT (asthma control test) scores were found after 1 year of omalizumab treatment (p < 0.001, for all parameters). Omalizumab treatment was associated with a significant decrease in the number of asthma exacerbations, asthma-related hospitalization, duration of hospitalization, and the number of unplanned emergency room visits after 1 year (p < 0.001, for all parameters). One year treatment with omalizumab led to significant changes in eosinophil counts and serum IgE levels as well (p < 0.001 and p< 0.001) Conclusion In the atopic severe asthma patient group omalizumab treatment provided similar clinical benefits to those observed in patients with severe atopic asthma, suggesting that it may be a useful therapeutic option in patients with non-atopic asthma who failed to benefit from step 4 and step 5 treatments.