Background therapy in severe asthma on monoclonal antibody treatment in real life

Abstract

Background

Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) recently recommends clinicians to reduce inhaled corticosteroid doses in patients with severe asthma who respond positively to monoclonal antibodies (MAbs).

Objective

As we operated this reduction even before the document, we analysed our cohort of subjects on treatment with a MAbs for at least 24 months.

Methods

Data stored in our electronic archive and at the 6-month follow-up (FU) were registered and patients’ adherence to asthma therapy was derived by electronic pharmacy claim database.

Results

Sixty-three subjects were enrolled. A complete asthma remission and reduction to GINA Step 3 was obtained in 41 % and 61 % of them, respectively. Non-adherent subjects to inhaled and oral asthma therapy were 45 % of them, with a higher percentage among those in complete remission (59 % vs 33 %).

Conclusion

In our cohort, stepping down asthma therapy from 5 to 3 level in severe asthmatic patients on Mabs is without any negative consequences on asthma control, even in the case of non-adherence.