Algorithm for Treatment of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria with Omalizumab

Abstract

Background and objective: Pivotal trials with omalizumab for treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) are generally run over 12 to 24weeks. However, in clinical practice, many patients need longer treatment. In this article, we present an algorithm for treatment with omalizumab.

Material and methods: The consensus document we present is the result of a series of meetings by the CSU working group of "Xarxa d'Urticària Catalana i Balear" (XUrCB) at which data from the recent literature were presented, discussed, compared, and agreed upon.

Results: Treatment with omalizumab should be initiated at the authorized dose, and is adjusted at 3-monthly intervals according to the Urticaria Activity Score Over 7days, the Urticaria Control Test, or both.

Conclusions: The algorithm proposed is designed to provide guidance on how to adjust omalizumab doses, how and when to discontinue the drug, and how to reintroduce it in cases of relapse.

Keywords: Algoritmo de tratamiento; Chronic spontaneous urticaria; Omalizumab; Treatment algorithm; Urticaria crónica espontánea.