[The effectiveness of omalizumab in the control of severe uncontrolled asthma in Latin America. An exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis].

BACKGROUND

Omalizumab is effective in the treatment of severe persistent allergic asthma that is not controlled with long-acting beta-agonists/ high-dose inhaled corticosteroids.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic exploratory review and meta-analysis of studies with omalizumab in Latin America.

METHODS

A search of real-life studies on the effectiveness of omalizumab in asthma control conducted in Latin America was carried out. The average of the aggregate effectiveness of omalizumab in asthma control (Pooled Analysis) was estimated by using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Nine open uncontrolled observational studies were identified; these studies included a total of 1 118 patients with severe uncontrolled asthma. The average of the estimated aggregate effectiveness of omalizumab in the good control of severe asthma was of 80.6 % in children and 78.9 % in adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The average of the estimated aggregate effectiveness of omalizumab in the control of severe asthma in both children and adults in Latin America was over 78 %. Randomized controlled studies are required in order to establish the efficacy and effectiveness of omalizumab in the control of severe asthma and in the different subgroups by level of eosinophils.