New model predicts success of Omalizumab in treating asthma

In a recent single-centre, prospective study led by Ruiqi Qian et al., 83.1% of patients responded well to Omalizumab treatment against moderate to severe asthma. Published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, the research aimed to create a model predicting how patients with moderate to severe asthma would respond to Omalizumab.

Patients received Omalizumab every four weeks with blood eosinophil and total serum IgE (IU/mL) levels checked before each injection. Outcomes were evaluated at week 16 based on the asthma control test, Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, global treatment effectiveness, and lung function after administering four doses.Outcomes were evaluated at week 16 based on the asthma control test, Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, global treatment effectiveness, and lung function after administering four doses. A logistic model construction method using a selection operator was employed to evaluate the clinical response to Omalizumab in these patients.

In this study of 108 moderate to severe asthma patients (average age 39.86 ± 14.59 years), 89 completed 16 weeks of treatment. A notable 83.1% of people showed excellent or good response to Omalizumab. Serum total IgE levels increased significantly post-treatment, while blood eosinophil counts decreased from baseline. Advancement in the maximal expiratory flow 25% of predicted (MEF25%pre) as a clinical outcome. Significant factors included weight, asthma duration, oral corticosteroid use, total serum IgE level at week 4, and rhinitis history. After internal validation, the model achieved an AUC of 0.674 and a Brier score of 0.225.

This new model is effective for the prediction of short-term success with the use of Omalizumab, but future long-term data is needed for more conclusive findings.