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Effectiveness and Safety of Omalizumab in Patients with Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Complicated by Chronic Bacterial Infection in the Airways

Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) develops in the presence of predisposing conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. Even ABPA accompanied by asthma is often complicated by chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa or nontuberculous mycobacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract, rendering treatment with corticosteroids difficult. There have been several reports on the effectiveness of omalizumab, an anti-IgE antibody, in patients with ABPA. We analyzed the effectiveness and adverse effects of omalizumab in ABPA patients with chronic respiratory infections. Methods: Using our nationwide survey database and published case reports, we identified patients with severe asthma and ABPA who fulfilled the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology criteria and who had been treated with omalizumab. Exacerbation rates, control of symptoms, doses of oral corticosteroids, and pulmonary function were evaluated. Results: Among 25 patients with ABPA treated with omalizumab (median age 62 years, range 33–83 years), 12 patients had a chronic bacterial infection of the lower airways attributable to P. aeruginosa (n = 6) or nontuberculous mycobacteria (n = 6) at the initiation of omalizumab. Treatment with omalizumab reduced the frequency of exacerbations and systemic corticosteroid doses and improved pulmonary function. There were no significant adverse events or worsening of infection during treatment with omalizumab, except for injection-site reactions. Conclusions: Treatment with omalizumab was effective and safe in patients with ABPA, regardless of comorbid chronic respiratory tract infections.