Background: Mepolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that interacts with IL-5, was the first anti-IL-5 approved for uncontrolled severe eosinophilic asthma. In several randomised, placebocontrolled trials, treatment with mepolizumab has shown a significant improvement in asthma symptoms and the need to use of oral corticosteroids (OCS). Several studies have correlated blood levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) with the degree of eosinophilic inflammation, which could make it an indirect marker of eosinophilic activity. Methods:This was a single-centre retrospective study that included all patients diagnosed with severe eosinophilic asthma under treatment with mepolizumab. We recorded the number of exacerbations, daily prednisone intake, asthma control test scores and forced expiratory volume in the first second. Results:We followed 22 patients, 14 of whom were OCS-dependent with a mean daily dose of 15.85±15.62 mg prednisone. After 12 months, only five continued taking OCS and the mean daily dose was reduced by up to 2.50±3.84 mg (p<0.007). The exacerbation rate at baseline was 2.91±2.27 and decreased to 0.82±1.14 in the following year (p<0.001). ACT scores increased significantly from 16.00±5.85 to 20.71±4.45 after six months (p=0.003). We also observed a decrease in ECP from 81.46±43.99 µg/L to 19.12± 18.80 µg/L (p>0.001).Discussion: These real-life results are consistent with previous clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy and safety of mepolizumab in routine clinical practice for severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma. We observed a significant decrease in blood eosinophil counts and in ECP levels, suggesting a reduction in eosinophil activity following mepolizumab treatment.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.