Real-World Effectiveness of Omalizumab in Chronic Urticaria: A Clinical Observational Study

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of omalizumab as a therapeutic intervention for chronic urticaria (CU). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> From March 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023, data on a cohort comprising 96 patients with CU, who underwent treatment with omalizumab at our medical institution’s allergy clinic, were systematically compiled. Subsequent to the administration of omalizumab, the therapeutic efficacy was assessed utilizing the 7-day urticaria activity score and the urticaria control test. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Based on the statistical analysis, the mean duration of therapeutic intervention was 2.4 ± 1.3 months, with a corresponding mean cumulative dosage of 765 ± 450 mg. Of the subset of 42 patients with CU who were subjected to a follow-up period exceeding 3 months, it was observed that the treatment led to complete symptom remission, and no instances of recurrence were documented. Notably, there were statistically significant differences in the treatment duration and the cumulative dosage between patients who experienced co-morbid conditions and those who did not (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.01, 95% CI: 0.280–1.326; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01, 95% CI: 0.597–2.997). Furthermore, there were significant differences in the treatment duration and cumulative dosage between patients in the combined allergic rhinitis group and those in the non-combined allergic rhinitis group (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.01, 95% CI: 0.204–1.305; <i>p</i> = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.326–2.860). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Omalizumab demonstrates efficacy in the management of CU among Chinese patients by exerting effective symptom control and facilitating the regression of skin lesions. The assessment of its therapeutic efficacy typically requires a 12-week treatment period. Moreover, the co-occurrence of CU with other allergic disorders serves as a pertinent consideration for the adjustment of omalizumab dosing regimens.