Safety and efficacy of omalizumab treatment in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of omalizumab therapy in patients with antihistamine resistant chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) presented in a clinical setting. Materials and Methods: The files of 30 CSU patients treated with omalizumab were examined. Omalizumab therapy was started to antihistamine-resistant CSU patients who treated with antihistamine therapy at least six months. The response to treatment was evaluated as follows; complete response defined as total absence of hives and itching, partial response as significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life, but still presenting hives and itching, and no response no improvement in both symptoms and quality of life. Results: In our cohort there were 30 CSU patients treated with omalizumab (women/men: 23/7). The mean (SD) duration of omalizumab treatment was 10.3 +/- 4.8 (min-max: 3-21) months. After omalizumab treatment, there were complete response in 4 (13.3%) patients, partly response in 26 (86.7%) patients and there were no patient with no response. Patients did not experience significantly important adverse reactions. Only one (3.3%) patient had local erythema. Conclusion: This study showed that omalizumab is a well-tolerated and effective therapy for patients with antihistamine-resistant chronic spontaneous urticaria.