Is Omalizumab Alone an Effective Treatment for Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria?

Aim While 2(nd )generation antihistamines are the first-line treatment for chronic urticaria (CU), omalizumab is recommended for the treatment of patients with inadequate response to these drugs. This study investigated the need for additional treatment while using omalizumab and the factors affecting this need. Materials and Methods In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the patients who were admitted to our dermatology clinic who started and continued to receive omalizumab at the recommended standard dose between January 01, 2023 and May 01, 2023 for CU. Results Among 90 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria receiving omalizumab, 51 (56.7%) needed additional treatment, whereas 39 (43.3%) did not need any additional treatment. However, of the 51 patients who developed complaints, 42 (82.4%) had their complaints controlled with antihistamines only, 7 (13.7%) with antihistamines and systemic steroids, 1 (2%) with systemic steroids only, and 1 (2%) with antihistamines, chloroquine, and cyclosporine. Among the patients who used antihistamines to control their complaints, the minimum antihistamine dose was once a day in 33 patients (66%), 2 times a day in 13 patients, 3 times a day in 3 patients and four times in 1 patient. Conclusion A considerable number of patients with CU using omalizumab did not need additional treatment, and the complaints of patients who needed additional treatment were managed with low-dose antihistamines in a short period.