| Popis: |
Introduction: Poorly controlled allergic asthma is associated with increased medical resource utilisation (MRU). PROXIMA study demonstrated effects of omalizumab on asthma control in Italian patients with severe allergic asthma (SAA). Here, we report effect of omalizumab on MRU in SAA patients. Methods: PROXIMA was a 2-phase observational study: cross-sectional phase enrolled patients with SAA (GINA step 4) requiring step-up therapy; longitudinal prospective phase enrolled patients receiving omalizumab as per clinician’s judgement at baseline visit. During the longitudinal phase, effect of omalizumab on number of hospitalisations/emergency room (ER) visits, medical visits to general practitioners (GP9s)/specialists, and outpatients/ER examinations was assessed by a dedicated questionnaire. Results: Of 365 patients enrolled, 123 contributed to longitudinal population. A considerable decrease in total number of hospitalisations/ER visits from 6 months before baseline visit (n=58) to 6 month follow-up visit was observed (n=3), which was maintained at 12 months (n=3). A continual decrease in number of GP’s/specialist’s visits and outpatients/ER examinations was observed from 6 months before baseline visit to 6 and 12 months of treatment (Table). Conclusion: In an Italian real-life setting, a decrease in MRU was observed with omalizumab treatment demonstrating improved symptoms in SAA patients. |
