Omalizumab for Chronic Urticaria in Children Less than 12 Years of Age: A Systematic Review.

Chronic urticaria (CU), defined by recurrent wheals, angioedema, or both lasting more than six weeks, is subclassified into chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and inducible urticaria (IndU) 1. CU is disabling and impairs work and school performance 1. Current treatment guidelines recommend a stepwise approach starting with escalating doses of non-sedating antihistamines 1. Omalizumab (anti-IgE monoclonal antibody) is approved as an add-on therapy for patients (12 years and older) with antihistamine resistant CSU; however, omalizumab is not approved for CSU in children less than 12 years of age 2.
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Letters Source Type: research