Steroid-sparing effect of mepolizumab in children with severe eosinophilic nonallergic asthma

• Maria Angela Tosca ^[1] ; Donata Girosi ^[2] ; Oliviero Sacco ^[2] ; Roberto Bernardini ^[3] ; Giorgio Ciprandi ^[4]
  1. [1] Allergy Center, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
  2. [2] Pediatric Pulmonology and Respiratory Endoscopy Department, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
  3. [3] Pediatric Unit, Empoli Hospital, Empoli (FI), Italy.
  4. [4] Allergy Clinic, Casa di Cura Villa Montallegro, Genoa, Italy.

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• Localización: Allergologia et immunopathologia: International journal for clinical and investigate allergology and clinical immunology, ISSN-e 1578-1267, ISSN 0301-0546, Vol. 49, Nº. 5, 2021, págs. 113-116
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Background: Asthma is characterized by a chronic airway inflammation, usually sustained by type 2 immunity. Bronchial and peripheral eosinophilia are biomarkers for type 2 asthma. Biologicals are the most effective treatment for severe asthma at present. Mepolizumab is an antagonist of interleukin-5 (IL-5), the most relevant cytokine involved in eosinophilia.

    Objective: This case report evaluated the effectiveness of mepolizumab in two girls with severe eosinophilic non-allergic asthma.

    Materials and methods: Two female children with severe eosinophilic nonallergic asthma were treated with mepolizumab for two years. Clinical findings, lung function, peripheral eosinophils, asthma control, and bronchial endoscopy were performed.

    Results: Biologicals reduced the eosinophilia, asthma exacerbations, and improved lung function in both patients. The treatment was also safe and well-tolerated.

    Conclusion: Mepolizumab represents an effective therapeutic option in the management of severe pediatric asthma.