Vignola AM, Humbert M, Bousquet J, Boulet LP, Hedgecock S, Blogg M, Fox H, Surrey K. Efficacy and tolerability of anti-immunoglobulin E therapy with omalizumab in patients with concomitant allergic asthma and persistent allergic rhinitis: SOLAR.
Allergy 2004;
59:709-17. [PMID:
15180757 DOI:
10.1111/j.1398-9995.2004.00550.x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Anti-IgE therapy could be particularly beneficial for patients with concomitant disease as it targets a common factor in both diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in patients with concomitant moderate-to-severe asthma and persistent allergic rhinitis.
METHODS
This multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of omalizumab. A total of 405 patients (12-74 years) with a stable treatment (>/= 400 microg budesonide Turbuhaler) and >/= 2 unscheduled medical visits for asthma during the past year or >/= 3 during the past 2 years were enrolled. Patients received omalizumab (>/= 0.016 mg/kg/IgE [IU/ml] per 4 weeks) or placebo for 28 weeks.
RESULTS
Fewer patients treated with omalizumab experienced asthma exacerbations (20.6%) than placebo-treated patients (30.1%), P = 0.02. A clinically significant (>/= 1.0 point) improvement in both Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire occurred in 57.7% of omalizumab patients compared with 40.6% of placebo patients (P < 0.001). Omalizumab reduced Wasserfallen symptom scores for asthma (P = 0.023), rhinitis (P < 0.001) and the composite asthma/rhinitis scores (P < 0.001) compared with placebo. Serious adverse events were observed in 1.4% of omalizumab-treated patients and 1.5% of placebo-treated patients.
CONCLUSION
Omalizumab is well tolerated and effective in preventing asthma exacerbations and improving quality of life in patients with concomitant asthma and persistent allergic rhinitis.
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