Omalizumab for exacerbations of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Anti-IgE therapy was proposed to two teenagers with cystic fibrosis (CF) with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) exacerbation, reluctant to a further course of oral steroids. Both patients experienced ABPA exacerbations within the past 3 years, requiring oral steroid bursts. Clinical, laboratory and radiographic features were consistent with ABPA exacerbations (representing at the time of evaluation the fourth and third episodes for patient 1 and 2, respectively). Total serum IgE was very high, >1000 kU/litre in both cases. Treatment consisting of subcutaneous injections of 375 mg anti-IgE (omalizumab) twice monthly was successful in rapidly improving respiratory symptoms and lung function. Based on clinical and functional improvement, interval between injections was progressively increased and treatment could be withdrawn after 11 injections, without recurrence at 20 weeks of follow-up after withdrawal.