Use of Biologics Reduces Exacerbations, Emergency Visits in Pediatric Asthma

Biologic therapy shows potential as an add-on asthma controller, with approval for use in patients ≥6-12 years old and refractory to standard treatment. However, studies showing real-world application and outcomes among the pediatric population are lacking. This study aims to assess characteristics of our pediatric population on biologic therapy, response to prescribed biologics, and reasons for discontinued therapy.

Retrospective chart review of patients on omalizumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab was performed. Data collected included spirometry (FEV1) and quality of life (ACT) measures, number of ED visits, and asthma exacerbations between 12 months before and after start of therapy. These measures were compared using two-sided statistical analyses with SPSS.26 data software.

Results

• 54 patients with moderate or severe asthma were reviewed, with majority diagnosed with severe asthma (85%).

• Quality of life measures progressively increased over 12 months post-therapy (p=0.024 in moderate asthmatics, p=<0.001 in severe asthmatics).

• No significant change was noted in spirometry measures.

• Asthma exacerbations and ED visits decreased significantly after starting therapy, (p=0.002; p=0.003, respectively).

• Of the 54 patients enrolled, 10 patients stopped therapy, of which 6 failed to respond to therapy and 1 experienced adverse reaction.

The results demonstrate benefits of biologic therapy in moderate-to-severe pediatric asthmatics, with improved quality of life and reduced ED visits and asthma exacerbations within one year of starting therapy.

Reference:

Abernathy S, Moore L, Morales M. Patient characteristics and response to biologic therapies in moderate-to-severe pediatric asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2022;125(5): S51. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2022.08.644