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Steroid-sparing effect of mepolizumab in children with severe eosinophilic nonallergic asthma
Maria Angela Tosca1, Donata Girosi2, Oliviero Sacco2
1Allergy Center, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
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.
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