Omalizumab prevents respiratory illnesses in non‐atopic chronic spontaneous urticaria patients: A prospective, parallel‐group, pilot pragmatic trial

Background Omalizumab is the recommended treatment for antihistamine-refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and severe allergic asthma. In addition, it has been shown to reduce frequency of viral respiratory infections in Respiratory illness a known trigger asthma CSU. Objectives To explore whether antiviral effect omalizumab may be extended CSU patients independent their atopic status. Methods We conducted prospective parallel-group pilot pragmatic trial including 30 non-allergic non-atopic (cases) under 300 mg Q4-weeks (due refractory H1-antihistamines) age-matched healthy controls. All had have weekly activity score UAS7 <15 at least 4 weeks before recruitment. Using self-filled validated Jackson scale, we evaluated all study participants common cold symptoms. cases controls rated An increase symptom points compared baseline (defined as minimum report symptoms) was considered an episode suggestive infection upper tract (URT). The were follow-up every throughout period (10 months). Results reported fewer episodes URT than (median episodes: 0 vs. 1, inter-quartile range 0–1 1–1, min–max: 0–3 0–4, respectively; p = 0.0095). duration each same both Conclusions can number consequently minimize viral-related exacerbations. This beneficial exerted independently status, even non-asthmatic individuals or without any evidence susceptibility. Further large-scale studies are needed validate current findings elucidate underlying relevant pathophysiology.