Effect of omalizumab as add-on therapy to Quality of Life Questionnaire for Korean Asthmatics (KAQLQ) in Korean patients with severe persistent allergic asthma
- Author:
Jae-Woo JUNG
1
;
Hae-Sim PARK
;
Choon-Sik PARK
;
Sang-Heon CHO
;
Inseon S. CHOI
;
Hee-Bom MOON
;
Soon Seog KWON
;
Ho Joo YOON
;
Jung Won PARK
;
Jong-Myung LEE
;
Dong-Chull CHOI
;
Byoung Whui CHOI
Author Information
- Publication Type:2
- From:The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2021;36(4):1001-1013
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background/Aims:Omalizumab is the first biologic known to be effective in patients with severe allergic asthma.
Methods:This study was conducted as a multicenter, single-group, open trial to evaluate the improvement in the quality of life with the additional administration of omalizumab for 24 weeks in Korean patients with severe persistent allergic asthma.
Results:Of the 44 patients, 31.8% were men and the mean age was 49.8 ± 11.8 years. A score improvement of 0.5 points or more in the Quality of Life Questionnaire for Korean Asthmatics (KAQLQ) was noted in 50.0% (22/44) of the patinets. In the improved group, the baseline total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level and the amount of omalizumab used were higher, and the day and night asthma symptoms were more severe, compared to those in the non-improved group. According to the Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness, favorable outcomes were found in 78.6% of patients. The Korean asthma control test (p < 0.005) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted (FEV1%; p < 0.01) improved significantly in patients who received omalizumab treatment, compared to that at week 0, and the total dose of rescue systemic corticosteroids significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The improved group on KAQLQ showed a significant improvement in FEV1% (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:Omalizumab can be considered a biological treatment for Korean patients with severe allergic asthma. It is recommended to consider omalizumab as add-on therapy in patients with high baseline total IgE levels and severe asthma symptoms.
