Eficácia do tratamento com omalizumab na urticária crónica espontânea resistente à terapêutica habitual combinada

Chronic urticaria (CU) is characterized by an evanescent, itchy wheal and flare reaction that does not resolve completely after 6 weeks. It is a relatively frequent disease that causes significant morbidity. Its therapy with drugs other than H1-antihistamines has not yet been exhaustively studied, but recently some promising treatment options have been described. We describe a case of severe, corticosteroid-dependent CU that was resistant to conventional treatment with high doses of H1-antihistamines. In this case, treatment with omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, allowed control of urticaria symptoms and permitted corticosteroid interruption. No adverse reactions were reported and the drug remained effective during 18 months of therapy. We present a review of the available literature concerning the use of omalizumab in CU, emphasizing information about its long-term efficacy.