SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2007

December 26, 2007

Effect of Omalizumab on Clinical Parameters and In Vitro Histamine Release

Summary
This investigation was designed to look at the effect of omalizumab on in vitro histamine release and to correlate this effect with clinical measures of severity. Seventeen patients with allergic asthma received omalizumab every four weeks for 16 weeks of treatment. The investigators measured maximal histamine release as well as cellular sensitivity to allergens (reactivity and sensitivity) in vitro. In addition, they followed the patients with body plethysmography, beta-2 agonist use, skin prick test to allergens, serum-free IgE levels, peripheral eosinophils, and a global assessment of treatment efficacy.

As expected, both reactivity (maximal histamine release) and cellular sensitivity to allergens were significantly decreased in the omalizumab group compared to a placebo-treated group. In addition, there were significant changes in clinical markers with a decrease in airway resistance and beta-agonist use. Skin prick test wheal area also declined, and the global evaluation improved.

However, the basophil histamine release responses did not always correlate with measures of clinical improvement.

Reference

Baxendale HE, et al. Natural antibodies to pneumococcus have distinct molecular characteristics and protect against pneumococcal disease. Clin Exp Immunology 2008; 151(1):51-60.

 

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