Omalizumab for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review
and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR), an IgE-mediated inflammatory
disease, significantly impacts the quality of life of a considerable
proportion of the general population. Omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal
antibody against IgE, has been evaluated for both seasonal and perennial
AR. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in
randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in inadequately controlled AR.
Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of RCTs evaluating
the safety and efficacy of omalizumab in AR. We synthesized evidence for
clinical improvement of AR symptoms, quality of life, reduction of the
use of rescue medication, and adverse events. Results: The systematic
search returned 289 articles, of which 12 RCTs were eligible for data
extraction and meta-analysis. Omalizumab reduced the Daily Nasal Symptom
Severity Score (DNSSS) by a summary standardized mean difference of
-0.41 points (95% CI: -0.61, -0.22; I2=93.2%), the Daily Ocular
Symptom Severity Score (DOSSS) by a summary standardized mean difference
of -0.30 points (95% CI: -0.50, -0.01; I2=86.2%), the
Rhino-conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire by a summary
standardized mean difference of -0.45 points (95% CI: -0.57, -0.34;
I2=0%) and the mean daily consumption of rescue antihistamines by a
summary standardized mean difference of -0.21 (95% CI: -0.41, -0.01;
I2=85.7%). No statistically significant difference in the occurrence of
adverse events was observed between omalizumab and placebo (Relative
Risk 1.03; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.14; I2=43.3%). Conclusion: Our findings
further support the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in the management
of patients with allergic rhinitis inadequately controlled with
conventional treatment.