Indolfi C, Dinardo G, Klain A, Contieri M, Umano GR, Decimo A, Ciprandi G, Del Giudice MM. Time effect of dupilumab to treat severe uncontrolled asthma in adolescents: A pilot study.
Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2023;
51:12-18. [PMID:
37695223 DOI:
10.15586/aei.v51i5.877]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Dupilumab is a new biological drug approved for the treatment of type 2 inflammatory diseases, such as asthma. Dupilumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that acts against both interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 receptors. This study evaluated the time--dependent effect of dupilumab on asthma exacerbations and quality of life in adolescents with uncontrolled severe asthma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Five adolescents suffering from uncontrolled severe asthma and treated with dupilumab were recruited. All subjects were evaluated for 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the first dose of dupilumab. Outcome measures included lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, asthma control and quality of life assessed by validated questionnaires (Asthma Control Test and Asthma Control Questionnaire).
RESULTS
The quality of life improved quickly after 4 weeks of treatment and 80% of adolescents halved the dose of inhaled corticosteroids necessary to control asthma symptoms. These results were still maintained for 24 weeks after start of the therapy. None of the patients had any asthma exacerbation during the study period.
CONCLUSION
Results of this study demonstrated that dupilumab was quickly effective to reduce asthma exacerbation and ameliorate quality of life in severe asthmatic adolescents.
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