Is Omalizumab Alone an Effective Treatment for Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria?

Is Omalizumab Alone an Effective Treatment for Patients withChronic Spontaneous Urticaria? ObjectivesOmalizumab is recommended in the current guidelines to be used in addition to antihistamines in patients with refractory CSU. 7Nevertheless, there is evidence that it is effective when used alone in some patient groups. 8,9The objective of this study was to investigate the necessity for supplementary treatment AbstractAim: While 2 nd generation antihistamines are the first-line treatment for chronic urticaria (CU), omalizumab is recommended for the treatment of patients with inadequate response to these drugs.This study investigated the need for additional treatment while using omalizumab and the factors affecting this need. Materials and Methods:In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the patients who were admitted to our dermatology clinic who started and continued to receive omalizumab at the recommended standard dose between January 01, 2023 and May 01, 2023 for CU.Results: Among 90 patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria receiving omalizumab, 51 (56.7%) needed additional treatment, whereas 39 (43.3%) did not need any additional treatment.However, of the 51 patients who developed complaints, 42 (82.4%)had their complaints controlled with antihistamines only, 7 (13.7%)with antihistamines and systemic steroids, 1 (2%) with systemic steroids only, and 1 (2%) with antihistamines, chloroquine, and cyclosporine.Among the patients who used antihistamines to control their complaints, the minimum antihistamine dose was once a day in 33 patients (66%), 2 times a day in 13 patients, 3 times a day in 3 patients and four times in 1 patient. Conclusion:A considerable number of patients with CU using omalizumab did not need additional treatment, and the complaints of patients who needed additional treatment were managed with low-dose antihistamines in a short period.