Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Xolair is effective in allergics with a low serum IgE level.
- Journal:
- International archives of allergy and immunology
- Year:
- 2010
- Authors:
- Ankerst, J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Medicine
Plain-English summary
In this study, two patients with severe allergies that weren't responding well to regular treatments were given a medication called Xolair, even though their IgE levels (a type of antibody related to allergies) were below 30 kU/l. They started with increasing doses of Xolair, and while the first higher dose had only a small effect, doubling the dose again led to significant improvement in their allergy symptoms. By the end of the treatment, one patient was symptom-free, although they still needed some extra medication, but not steroids. This suggests that Xolair can be effective for people with low IgE levels, but the dosage needs to be carefully adjusted based on their specific IgE levels.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Two atopic patients suffering from severe allergy difficult to handle by conventional medication were given Xolair despite an IgE level <30 kU/l. METHODS: Increasing dosages were given and monitored by clinical evaluation and CD-sens to clinically relevant allergens. The patients' IgE antibody fractions were 11-14%. RESULTS: Xolair dosages extrapolated from a recommended dose for IgE of 30-75 kU/l were adapted to the patients' IgE body pool but had very little effect. The double dose resulted in some clinical improvement and a decrease in CD-sens. However, not until the dose was doubled again did the patients become symptom free, although 1 patient needed some additional drugs but no oral steroids. CD-sens turned negative to 5 of the 7 tested allergens. CONCLUSIONS: Xolair is most useful also in atopics with an IgE level <30 kU/l. The dose must be adjusted to the size of the IgE antibody fraction adding all non-cross-reacting, clinically relevant specificities.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19940508/