1
|
Maglione M, Borrelli M, Dorato A, Cimbalo C, Del Giudice LA, Santamaria F. Mepolizumab in Severe Pediatric Asthma: Certainties and Doubts through a Single-Center Experience and Review of the Literature. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:895. [PMID: 39201830 DOI: 10.3390/children11080895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although, in most children with asthma, good symptom control is achieved with a low to moderate dose of inhaled corticosteroids, a small group of patients still experiences frequent symptoms, and even severe exacerbations, impairment of lung function, and reduced quality of life. Some of these subjects with severe asthma require biologic drugs as add-on therapy. In the past decade, numerous monoclonal antibodies have been approved for children or adolescents with severe asthma, in addition to their increasing use in adult asthma. However, the available evidence on how to select the most appropriate biologic based on a single patient's clinical, functional, and laboratory characteristics is still scant, and is insufficient to guide clinicians in the decision-making process of a personalized treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS We report a case series of four patients with severe eosinophilic asthma treated with mepolizumab, an anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody, and review the existing literature on this treatment in children and adolescents. RESULTS Our patients, all with blood eosinophilia and elevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels, developed poor symptom control despite prolonged treatment with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a second controller, addressing the addition of a biologic drug. In all of them, a 12-month treatment with subcutaneous mepolizumab showed a reduction in the blood eosinophil count and in asthma exacerbations, as well as an improvement on the Asthma Control Test. The results of the literature search focused on the strengths and limitations of the pediatric use of mepolizumab and highlighted the areas worthy of further research. CONCLUSIONS Mepolizumab has proven effective in improving symptom control in pediatric patients with severe asthma. Additional well-powered clinical trials will be helpful in developing evidence-based guidelines regarding biologic drugs in the pediatric population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Maglione
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, "Santobono-Pausilipon" Children's Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy
| | - Melissa Borrelli
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Dorato
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Cimbalo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Santamaria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marseglia GL, Licari A, Tosca MA, Miraglia del Giudice M, Indolfi C, Ciprandi G. An Updated Reappraisal of Dupilumab in Children and Adolescents with Severe Asthma. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:843. [PMID: 39062292 PMCID: PMC11276183 DOI: 10.3390/children11070843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Severe asthma (SA) is still a demanding challenge in clinical practice. Type 2 inflammation is the most common phenotype in children and adolescents with SA. As a result, anti-inflammatory drugs, mainly corticosteroids (CSs), represent the first choice to reduce type 2 inflammation. However, SA patients may require high inhaled and oral CS doses to achieve and maintain asthma control. Some SA patients, despite the highest CS dosages, can even display uncontrolled asthma. Therefore, the biological era constituted a breakthrough in managing this condition. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the IL-4 receptor α-subunit (IL-4Rα), antagonizing against both IL-4 and IL-13, and has been approved for pediatric severe type 2 asthma. This review presents and discusses the most recent published studies on dupilumab in children and adolescents with SA. There is convincing evidence that dupilumab is a safe and effective option in managing SA as it can reduce asthma exacerbations, reduce CS use, and improve lung function, asthma control, and quality of life, also for caregivers. However, a thorough diagnostic pathway is mandatory, mainly concerning phenotyping. In fact, the ideal eligible candidate is a child or adolescent with a type 2 allergic phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luigi Marseglia
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.L.M.); (A.L.)
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Amelia Licari
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.L.M.); (A.L.)
- Pediatric Clinic, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Michele Miraglia del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (M.M.d.G.); (C.I.)
| | - Cristiana Indolfi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (M.M.d.G.); (C.I.)
| | - Giorgio Ciprandi
- Allergy Clinic, Casa di Cura Villa Montallegro, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nieto-García A, Nieto-Cid M, Mazón-Ramos Á. Biological treatments in childhood asthma. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 24:114-121. [PMID: 38567842 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim is to update the information currently available for the use of biologics in severe asthma in children, in order to facilitate their prescription as far as possible. RECENT FINDINGS The appearance of biologics for the treatment of severe asthma has meant a revolutionary change in the therapeutic approach to this disease. Currently, five biologics have been approved for severe asthma in children and/or adolescents by the regulatory agencies: omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab and tezepelumab. But despite their positive results in terms of efficacy, there are still relevant points of debate that should induce caution when selecting the most appropriate biologic in a child with severe asthma. Indeed, safety is essential and, for several of the existing treatments, the availability of medium-term to long-term data in this regard is scarce. SUMMARY The use of biologics can facilitate the therapeutic paradigm shift from pleiotropic treatments to personalized medicine. However, the choice of the most appropriate biologics remains a pending issue. On the other hand, to the extent that several of the biologics have been available for a relatively short time, the most robust evidence in terms of efficacy and safety in children is that of omalizumab.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - María Nieto-Cid
- Allergy Service, Hospital de la Plana, Villarreal, Castellón
| | - Ángel Mazón-Ramos
- Pediatric Pulmonology & Allergy Unit, Hospital la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van der Rijst LP, de Winter-de Groot KM, Zuithoff NPA, de Bruin-Weller MS, de Graaf M. Effect of dupilumab on asthma and aeroallergen sensitization in pediatric atopic dermatitis patients: Results of the BioDay registry. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2024; 35:e14178. [PMID: 38899688 DOI: 10.1111/pai.14178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atopic dermatitis (AD) is frequently associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). Dupilumab is an effective treatment for pediatric AD, although the effect on atopic comorbidities in pediatric AD patients is limited. OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of asthma and AR in pediatric AD patients starting dupilumab treatment and to evaluate the effect of dupilumab on these comorbidities. METHODS This study included pediatric AD patients (aged 3-17 years) treated with dupilumab between 2019 and 2023. Patients were screened at baseline by a pulmonologist for the presence of asthma and AR. Screening included evaluation of medical history and current symptoms, spirometry (including Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1)), Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO), and measurement of aeroallergen-specific IgE levels. In patients diagnosed with comorbid asthma and/or AR, measurements were repeated at weeks 16 and 52. Spirometry measurements, FeNO, and aeroallergen-specific IgE levels during treatment were analyzed using a covariance pattern model. RESULTS Eighty-four patients were included. Asthma was diagnosed in 50 patients (59.5%) and AR in 72 patients (85.7%). Baseline FeNO levels were elevated in both patients with (29.0 ppb (95% CI 22.0-54.0)) and without asthma (26.0 ppb (95% CI 22.0-30.0)). During treatment, FeNO levels decreased (p < .001) and FEV1 scores increased (p < .001) in patients with asthma. In patients with asthma and/or AR, all aeroallergen-specific IgE levels decreased between 61.3% and 89.1% at 52 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION One year of dupilumab treatment, primarily indicated for AD, resulted in a significant improvement in comorbid asthma and a profound decrease in aeroallergen-specific IgE levels in patients with asthma and/or AR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa P van der Rijst
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, National Expertise Center for Atopic Dermatitis, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karin M de Winter-de Groot
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas P A Zuithoff
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein S de Bruin-Weller
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, National Expertise Center for Atopic Dermatitis, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies de Graaf
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, National Expertise Center for Atopic Dermatitis, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mahmood L, Keskin S, Jefferson AA. Precision care in the treatment of pediatric asthma. Curr Opin Pediatr 2024; 36:304-309. [PMID: 38411592 PMCID: PMC11042999 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Precision medicine in pediatric asthma involves identification of asthma phenotypes, genetic markers, biomarkers, and biologics that target specific pathways. This review includes a discussion of the efficacy of currently approved biologics for pediatric asthma and most recent advances in biomarker/phenotype identification and genetic associations that affect asthma care. RECENT FINDINGS Biologics targeting type-2 mediated pathways have shown success in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma in pediatric and adult patients. In comparative studies, dupilumab, an interleukin-4 (IL-4) alpha receptor inhibitor, and mepolizumab, an IL-5 inhibitor, have shown more improvement in asthma exacerbation rates and lung function compared to other biologics such as tezepelumab, omalizumab and benralizumab. Other methods used to categorize asthma treatment response have been investigated and include use of biomarkers such as fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Genomic studies are also emerging in precision care for pediatric asthma. SUMMARY An understanding of underlying immunologic and genetic mechanisms affecting the development of asthma in pediatric patients has resulted in the production of numerous targeted therapies that have led to improvement in lung function and reduced exacerbation burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Mahmood
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Sevdenur Keskin
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Akilah A. Jefferson
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Little Rock, Arkansas
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Conway AE, Lieberman J, Codispoti CD, Mahdavinia M, Anagnostou A, Hsu Blatman KS, Lang DM, Oppenheimer J, Mosnaim GS, Bukstein D, Shaker M. Pharmacoequity and Biologics in the Allergy Clinic: Providing the Right Care, at the Right Time, Every Time, to Everyone. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:1170-1180. [PMID: 38458435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacoequity refers to equity in access to pharmacotherapy for all patients and is an especially large barrier to biologic agents in patients with allergic diseases. Value-based care models can prompt clinicians to address social determinants of health, promoting pharmacoequity. Pharmacoequity is influenced by numerous factors including socioeconomic status, which may be mediated through insurance status, educational attainment, and access to specialist care. In addition to lower socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, age, locations isolated from care systems, and off-label indications for biologic agents all constitute barriers to pharmacoequity. Whereas pharmaco-inequity is more apparent for expensive biologics, it also affects many other allergy treatments including epinephrine autoinjectors and SMART for asthma. Current programs aimed at alleviating cost barriers are imperfect. Patient assistance programs, manufacturer-sponsored free drug programs, and rebates often increase the complexity of care, with resultant inequity, particularly for patients with lower health literacy. Ultimately, single silver-bullet solutions are elusive. Long-term improvement instead requires a combination of research, advocacy, and creative problem-solving to design more intelligent and efficient systems that provide timely access to necessary care for every patient, every time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay Lieberman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tenn
| | - Christopher D Codispoti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Ill
| | - Mahboobeh Mahdavinia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Ill
| | | | - Karen S Hsu Blatman
- Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH; Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH
| | - David M Lang
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Giselle S Mosnaim
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, Ill
| | - Don Bukstein
- Allergy, Asthma, and Sinus Center, Milwaukee, Wis
| | - Marcus Shaker
- Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH; Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Caminiti L, Galletta F, Foti Randazzese S, Barraco P, Passanisi S, Gambadauro A, Crisafulli G, Valenzise M, Manti S. Early Assessment of Efficacy and Safety of Biologics in Pediatric Allergic Diseases: Preliminary Results from a Prospective Real-World Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:170. [PMID: 38397282 PMCID: PMC10887585 DOI: 10.3390/children11020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing interest in biologics for the management of allergic diseases, sparse real-world data are still available in the pediatric population. This study aimed to evaluate the early real-life efficacy and safety of omalizumab for patients with moderate-to-severe asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), and Dupilumab for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). METHODS A prospective study enrolling children aged 6-18 years was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of biologic drugs at 16 weeks of treatment (T1). The effectiveness was measured using validated questionnaires (ACQ-5 for asthma, UAS7 for CSU, and EASI score for AD). Secondary outcome measures included reductions in inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dosages, asthma-related hospitalizations/exacerbations, and quality of life (QoL) indicators (iNRS, sNRS, DLQI/cDLQI) for CSU and AD. Safety was expressed according to the descriptions of adverse events provided by EMA and FDA. RESULTS The study cohort consisted of eighteen children (mean age 12.9 ± 3.4 years). The omalizumab treatment significantly reduced ACQ-5 and UAS7 scores (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). In patients with asthma, decreased ICS dosage and hospitalization/exacerbation rates were observed. QoL parameters significantly improved in CSU and AD patients. No severe adverse events were reported for either treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our findings validate omalizumab and dupilumab as effective and safe therapeutic options for managing moderate-to-severe allergic diseases in children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Stefano Passanisi
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Street Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy; (L.C.); (F.G.); (S.F.R.); (P.B.); (A.G.); (G.C.); (M.V.); (S.M.)
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|