The efficacy and safety of omalizumab in refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria: real-life experience in Turkey

Introduction: This study used real-world data to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of omalizumab in treating recalcitrant chronic spontaneous urticaria in Turkish patients. Methods: Study data were collected retrospectively from eight tertiary-care hospitals in Turkey. This study included 132 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria that were resistant to H-1 antihistamine treatment in a dose up to four times the licensed dose and were treated with 300 mg/month of omalizumab for 6 months. Results: The mean weekly urticarial activity score (UAS(7)) after omalizumab treatment improved significantly compared to the pretreatment score (p < 0.001). Treatment response was detected primarily in the 1st and 2nd months after treatment. No significant association was observed between omalizumab's treatment effectiveness and disease-related parameters or laboratory data. The mean dermatology life quality index was 23.12 +/- 6.15 before treatment and decreased to 3.55 +/- 3.60 6 months after treatment (p < 0.001). No side effects were reported in 89.4% (118) of the patients. Conclusion: This study showed that UAS(7) decreased significantly and quality of life improved in omalizumab-treated patients. Moreover, treatment effectiveness was mainly observed in the first 2 months after treatment. However, no association was observed between omalizumab treatment effectiveness and disease-related parameters or laboratory data.