Takeaway
- Omalizumab (Xolair) was tied to reduced eczema severity and improved QoL in this randomized clinical trial with 62 children.
- Children in the omalizumab group also had “markedly potent” topical corticosteroid sparing.
Why this matters
- Omalizumab looks promising for children with recalcitrant severe eczema and atopy.
- Editorial: “rigorous” trial has yielded positive results, but an open question is the 6-figure annual cost of this medication.
Key results
- Drug group had markedly improved symptom scores vs placebo group (P=.01).
- QoL scores were also better for children in the omalizumab group.
- Children taking omalizumab were able to have lower use of potent topical steroids in terms of body surface area covered: 16% for drug group omalizumab vs 31% with placebo.
- They also had fewer days of topical steroid use.
- 13% withdrew from placebo group and 3% from the omalizumab group.
Study design
- 24-week, single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized Atopic Dermatitis Anti-IgE Pediatric Trial.
- 62 children (30 drug; 32 placebo); mean age, 10.3 (range, 4-19) years; 52% boys.
- Funding: UK National Institute of Health Research; others.
Limitations
- Topical steroids allowed ad libitum.
- Small numbers in study.
References
References
